News Releases from Region 03

EPA urges residents to test homes for radon

(PHILADELPHIA - January 14, 2016) As part of National Radon Action Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging all residents to test their homes for radon.

Radon occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in the soil and can accumulate to dangerous levels inside the home. Elevated levels of the colorless, odorless gas are the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a nationwide problem that can be found in schools, houses, townhomes and condos of all shapes and sizes. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.

"Testing for radon is the best way to know if people in your home are at risk from this cancer-causing gas," said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "Radon is a problem that can be easily fixed, and I urge all residents to test their homes. If your home is impacted by radon, it is fairly easy to fix."

Although testing for radon is easy and inexpensive, only one in five homeowners have actually tested their homes for radon. Yet, each year more than 21,000 people die from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon.

The winter months are an especially good time to conduct a home test because radon can build to unhealthy levels during colder weather when windows and doors are kept closed.

Test kits are available in home improvement centers, hardware stores and online. They cost approximately $20. The kits are simple to use with easy testing and mailing instructions.

For more information about radon, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/.

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