Radon Killed 20,000 Americans

The U.S. Surgeon General warned the American public concerning the risks of breathing indoor radon by issuing a nationwide health advisory. The advisory is meant to urge Americans to avoid this silent radioactive gas from seeping into their homes and approaching dangerous levels. Dr. Carmona issued the advisory during a two-day Surgeon General's Workshop on Healthy Indoor Environment. "January has officially been designated as National Radon Awareness Month," states radon mitigation specialist Benjamin Ingalls.

"Indoor radon may be the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risks to families all over the county," Dr. Carmona said. "It's vital that you know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas, with no immediate health symptoms, that comes from the breakdown of uranium within the earth. Simple test kits can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Individuals with high levels could be fixed with easy and affordable venting techniques. Based on U.S. Epa (EPA) estimates, one in every 15 homes nationwide have a high radon level at or over the recommended radon action level of 4 picocuries (pCi/L) per liter of air.

Radon gas in the indoor air of America's homes poses a significant health risk. More than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer every year. Millions of homes come with an elevated radon level. If you also smoke, your risk of lung cancer is much higher. Test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house. If you have a radon degree of 4 pCi/L or even more, do something to treat the issue as quickly as possible.

Americans have to know concerning the risks of indoor radon and have the information and tools they need to take action. That's why EPA is actively promoting the Surgeon General's advice urging all Americans to get their homes tested for radon. If families do find elevated levels in their homes, they can take inexpensive steps which will reduce exposure to this risk.

"Based on national averages, we can expect that lots of the homes owned or financed by federal government programs would have potentially elevated radon levels. The government has an chance to lead by example on this public health risk. We can achieve this by using the outreach and awareness avenues we have, such as EPA's Web site, to share information and encourage action on radon to lessen risks," said Edwin Piero, Federal Environmental Executive, Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE).

Complaints of workplace air quality violations have doubled since 1990. Choices General's Workshop on Healthy Indoor Environment is bringing together the very best scientific minds in the nation to go over the continuing problem of unhealthful buildings. Indoor environments are structures including workplaces, schools, offices, houses and apartment buildings, and vehicles. According to a recent study, Americans spend between 85 and 95 percent of time indoors.