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For Immediate Release: 1/28/08

January is National Radon Action Month

The American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are urging residents to take a stand to protect their families by testing their homes for an odorless, colorless, tasteless pollutant that can cause lung cancer. That pollutant, radon, is the second–leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. EPA estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon–related.

Radon is going undetected in homes across the country. It causes no immediate health symptoms, but long–term exposure can be deadly. EPA estimates that as many as one in five homes in Missouri has elevated radon levels. Some areas have higher levels than others. Simple test kits can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. Testing is critical, because it is the only way to know if a building has significant concentrations of radon.

Radon test kits can be obtained by calling, toll–free, the state radon program at 866–628–9891 or the American Lung Association at (800) LUNG–USA. A list of certified testers and radon mitigation contractors is also available from the state program office. If you are considering building a new home, you should encourage your builder to install a passive radon system. It's an especially easy and cheap way to prevent Radon from entering your home.

The American Lung Association Help Line is an excellent source of clear and accurate information on radon and other lung health issues. The Help Line is unique in having professional, credentialed staff qualified to answer questions. Free counseling with registered nurses, respiratory therapists and quit–smoking specialists is available by calling (800) LUNG–USA. The line is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. TTY for hearing impaired is available at (800) 501-1068.

Additional information about radon can be obtained from the state's radon program Web site and on the EPA's Web site

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