January is Radon Action Month

(January 9, 2012)—

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Now is the time to check your home and office space for radon levels. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure accounts for almost 20,000 deaths annually.

Radon is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It disperses harmlessly outdoors but when it enters your home through holes and cracks in the basement floor and walls or from well water, it can be a health hazard. Prolonged exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has unhealthy levels of radon is to perform a simple test.

Here are some ways you can prevent exposure to dangerous levels of radon:

• Test your home or office space. The American Lung Association offers radon test kits for just $12. This fee includes tax, postage and handling, test results, and telephone counseling if you have questions. Visit www.lungne.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA to purchase your kit. Since smokers are at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer if radon is present, information on quitting smoking is also included.
• Spread the word about the dangers of radon to your friends, family and co-workers. There are many different ways to effectively educate others - email, social media and word of mouth to name a few.
• Write a letter to the editor or an op-ed and submit to your local paper.

For health questions about radon exposure or for other lung-related health questions, call the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA and select option 2.

# # #