The Federal Government Takes Action on Radon Gas to Prevent
Lung Cancer Deaths in 2012.
Radon Awareness Week Is Here
Federal Radon
Awareness Week is here according to The Surgeon General. Health agencies
throughout the United States have joined forces to promote awareness of the
leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The American Lung Association,
Centers for Disease Control, and National Cancer Institute all agree that
radon is a National health problem and encourage radon testing during the
October awareness drive.
Radon is a
naturally-occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas. One in 15
American homes contains high levels of radon. Millions of Americans are
unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas. In fact, a recent study by
Harvard University ranks radon as Americas #1 in-home hazard. By taking
simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if necessary, this health
hazard can be avoided.
Radon gas is not isolated to certain
geographical areas or home types. Radon problems have been detected in homes
in every county of the U.S. It caused more American fatalities last year
than carbon monoxide, fires, and handguns combined! If a home hasn't been
tested for radon in the past two years, EPA and the Surgeon General urge you
to take action. Contact your state radon office for information on locating
qualified test kits or qualified radon testers.
The federal
commitment made by EPA, the General Services Administration, and the
departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services,
Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Veterans Affairs will focus
efforts on radon reduction and mitigation in homes, especially those of
low-income families, many of whom do not have the resources to make the
simple fixes necessary to protect their homes and loved ones.
Earlier this year,
the federal consortium met with key leaders in the public health,
environmental and private sectors to launch the federal action plan that
includes both immediate and long-term steps to reduce radon exposure. Your
media group can participate in this Nation-wide initiative simply by writing
articles and broadcasting messages about this deadly gas and by promoting
Radon Awareness Week. Again, this is National Radon Awareness Week which
ends Sunday October 21st. For more information visit www.EPA.gov/radon
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