Society News Archive
On 20 June 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the General Services Administration, and the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Veterans Affairs have joined forces to help save lives and create healthier home and school environments for America’s families. The Federal Radon Action Plan brings together commitments that help to reduce exposure to radon and protect the health of Americans through leveraging and advancing existing state, local, and national programs. Radon exposure is the leading cause of nonsmoking lung cancer and leads to an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.
The plan includes federal government actions to reduce radon risks:
· Launching a cross-government outreach initiative to educate families about the health risks associated with radon exposure and the solutions to address the risks.
· Incorporating radon testing and mitigation into federal programs.
· Investing in new standards and updating codes for measurement and mitigation in schools, day-care facilities, and multifamily housing.
· Establishing incentives that drive testing and mitigation in the private and public sectors.
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas. Approximately one in 15 American homes contain high levels of radon. Millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas. EPA and the Surgeon General urge people to test their homes for radon at least every two years. Contact your state radon office for information on locating qualified test kits or qualified radon testers.
Information on the Federal Radon Action Plan: http://www.epa.gov/radon/action_plan.html
Information on radon and testing your home: http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html
