National Radon Action Month

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge everyone to protect their health by testing the indoor air in their homes and schools for radon. Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that claims about 21,000 lives each year. It is the leading cause of death from lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk. EPA recommends fixing homes with 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more of radon in the air. You cannot see or smell radon. Simple, inexpensive do-it-yourself radon test kits are available, or you can hire a certified professional to perform the testing.

Other ways in which you can help protect your family and community—

1. Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area. Look for radon events in your community.
2. Educate others about radon.
   • Tell family and friends about the health risk of radon. Encourage them to test their homes.
   • View EPA's free radon publications and share the information with others.
3. Take action in your community using the resources in EPA’s radon event planning kit.
   • Plan an activity in your community to help raise awareness of radon.
   • Write an op-ed or letter to the editor.
   • Attract media attention by working with a local official to issue a radon proclamation.
   • Download National Radon Action Month media resources and graphics to use for your print materials or website.
4. Look for a radon-resistant home if you are planning to relocate. If you are buying a new home, look for builders that use radon-resistant construction techniques found in EPA’s Indoor airPLUS guidelines. Read more about radon-resistant new construction in Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes.

As part of the National Radon Action Plan, EPA is working with state and local partners to educate the public about the risk from radon. Learn more about radon and how to reduce your exposure to radon at www.epa.gov/radon.

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