January is Radon Awareness Month

Radon kills 20,000 Americans each year - it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is everywhere. This month, the EPA and US Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Here are four things you can do during National Radon Action Month provided by EPA.gov:

1. Test your home - EPA and the US Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the US be tested for radon.  Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.
2. Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area - Look for radon events in your community. Contact your state radon program for more information about local radon activities.
3. Spread the word - Spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their homes.
   • Tell your family and friends about the health risk of radon. Encourage them to test their homes.
   • Plan an activity in your community to help raise awareness. Use EPA’s National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit as a guide.
   • Write an op-ed or letter to the editor. View tips and a sample op-ed and letter to the editor from EPA’s National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit.
   • Attract media attention by working with a local official to get a radon proclamation.

1. Buy a radon-resistant home - If you are considering buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Read more about radon-resistant new construction, “Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes.” Contact your state radon program for information about radon testing, mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction in your area.

Matt Moretti is a Project Manager at Mom Central Consulting.