Test, Fix, Save a Life: EPA Region 7 Encourages Home Testing During National Radon Action Month

Test, Fix, Save a Life: EPA Region 7 Encourages Home Testing During National Radon Action Month

January 8, 2025

LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 8, 2025) - Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to "Test, Fix, Save a Life" and protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of radium, thorium, and uranium in the ground. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. If left untreated, radon can accumulate indoors, leading to significant health risks. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, claiming the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year.

However, radon exposure is a preventable health risk with a simple solution: Testing for radon can help avoid prolonged exposure.

"Radon is a threat to millions of Americans, especially those living in areas with a high potential for radon," said EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division Director Dana Skelley. "In the Midwest, many homes are naturally predisposed to have elevated radon levels. We urge everyone to protect themselves and their families from this preventable health risk by testing their homes for radon gas."

Most homes in EPA Region 7's four states are located in areas classified as EPA Radon Zones One or Two, indicating a high or moderate potential for elevated radon levels. To determine if your home is in one of these zones, view EPA's Map of Radon Zonesfor your state.

Radon test kitscan be bought online and in home improvement stores. National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers test kits for purchase online.

EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels, a qualified professional can install a system to reduce indoor radon levels. For more guidance on addressing radon risks, visit EPA's Radon page.

For additional resources and information on the radon programs in EPA Region 7's four states, visit the following websites:

• Iowa Health and Human Services
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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