January is National Radon Action Month. Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer is the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. During the month of January, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to raise the public’s awareness about radon and the importance of testing for radon – especially in homes and schools. The EPA, working collaboratively with Federal, State, and local governments as well as volunteer organizations, conducts many different programs to educate Americans about the indoor radon health threat.
Sneaky Killer
Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Peter Jennings’ death and Dana Reeve’s announcement have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon. EPA’s most recent health risk assessment estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon.
Wyoming Is No Exception
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Wyoming. In 2010, there were 295 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Wyoming residents and 229 deaths due to lung cancer.
Where Is It Found
Radon can be a problem in all types of homes, including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Radon is a decay product of uranium and occurs naturally in soil and rock, and therefore radon levels can vary from home to home. Other sources of radon include earth and rock beneath your home, well water and building materials.
Get Your Home Tested
You can’t see or smell radon because it is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. The only way to know whether radon exists in elevated levels in your home, and to protect your family from radon, is to TEST!
When To Take Action
An elevated level of radon is defined as any radon level at or above 4.0 pCi/L. This level is considered an “action” level where mitigation is recommended. However, homes and buildings that have a radon level below 4.0 pCi/L might still pose a health hazard to the occupants.
Increasing Awareness
The Wyoming Radon Program is working with the Wyoming Comprehensive Cancer Control Consortium to advance a statewide radon awareness initiative to increase residents’ access to radon testing resources. The “Radon – What a Gas” effort is also supported by public health nursing, county extension offices and regional Wyoming Cancer Resource Services Programs.
These partners are making test kits and presentations available for media representatives, residents, community groups, school teachers, real estate agents (REAs), appraisers, architects, physicians and other healthcare providers. Architects, appraisers and REAs can earn up to four continuing education units; physicians and other healthcare providers can earn up to one continuing medical education unit.
Where to Find a Kit
You can obtain a free test kit by ordering from the Wyoming Department of Health at the Wyoming Department of Health Free Radon Test Kit Offer.
For more specific information, contact the Wyoming Radon Program at 307-777-6015, or visit the Wyoming Radon Program online.
You can read or download a copy of the US EPA’s A Citizen’s Guide to Radon online. This publication goes into greater detail describing the meaning of your radon test results and what your personal hazard from the exposure may be.
If you haven’t tested your home, do it now during National Radon Action Month! Protect your family!
Protect Your Family
About 1 in 15 homes has high radon levels. It is recommended that you test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of your home. Protect your family! If you haven’t tested your home, do it now during National Radon Action Month!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
Sources:
- https://health.wyo.gov
- https://www.epa.gov