Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: December 27, 2007 

January is National Radon Action Month
Radon is Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in the U.S.
One in Four Homes Tested for Radon in Rhode Island had High Levels

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced today that January is National Radon Action Month. HEALTH is working with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a nationwide campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage them to take action to protect their homes and families through testing and remediation.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can't see, smell or taste and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk. A recent report from the U. S. Surgeon General estimates that more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States are attributable to radon, making radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country. People who smoke and live in a home with high radon have an especially high risk of lung cancer
 
In Rhode Island, almost one in four homes tested have radon above the US EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 picoCuries/Liter. However, many homes have not been tested and may therefore be exposing families to harmful amounts of radon gas. Testing homes for radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores or directly from radon testing companies. Most test kits are priced under $25.00.

Once identified, radon problems can be fixed by a qualified contractor at a reasonable cost (anywhere from $800 to $2,500). This is similar to the cost of other common home repairs such as painting or having a new hot water heater installed.

For more information on radon testing, a list of testing companies, how to fix a high level, or radon resistant construction, you can call HEALTH at (800) 942-7434 or visit our radon website at http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/occupational/radon/index.php

For more information about Radon Action Month, visit:
EPA Website on Radon Action Month:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram

EPA Website containing PSAs available for use by media: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/rnpsa.html

Surgeon General's National Health Advisory on Radon: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/pressreleases/sg01132005.html

American Lung Association Fact Sheet on Radon: http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=67121

National Safety Council Radon Site – Discount Test Kit Available: http://www.nsc.org/issues/radon/index.htm