E.P.A. Urges Radon Tests in Homes

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Urges Citizens  to Test Homes for Radon, the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in U.S.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but which can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. Scientists have long been concerned about the health risk of radon, but never before has there been such overwhelming proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.

EPA estimates that radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. "However," says Amy Little from the Tennessee Radon Program, "because  you can't see or smell radon, people tend to downplay the health effects and ignore the possibility that there might be a silent killer in their homes."

Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware stores for under $25.00. Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs such as painting or having a new water heater installed.

The Tennessee Radon Program urges community residents to take action by testing their homes for radon. Radon poses a serious threat to our community's health but there is a straightforward solution.

For more information on radon, radon testing and mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction, call The Tennessee Radon Program at 1-800-232-1139 or visit our Web site at http://www.tn.gov/environment/osp/gi/radon/ or visit EPA's National Radon Action Month Web site at www.epa.gov/radon/.