Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert
radioactive gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock,
soil, and water. Naturally existing, low levels of uranium occur widely in Earth's
crust. It can be found in all 50 states. Unless you test for it, there is no way
of telling how much is present.
2009 National Radon Award Ceremony
The National Safety Council is hosting the 2009 National Radon Award Ceremony at the
National Press Club
(529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20045) on January 28, 2009. The reception starts
at 6:00 pm and the award ceremony starts at 6:30 pm. The event recognizes individuals and organizations
that have contributed to radon risk reduction, and raises awareness and spur broader public action to
reducing the risk of lung cancer. Partners in this effort include the Conference of Radiation Control
Program Directors (CRCPD), the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), the
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the U.S. EPA and many others. Those to be honored at
the ceremony include the student winners of the national radon poster contest; the winner of the
EPA-sponsored YouTube video on radon; the presentation of awards to “radon heroes” from CRCPD, AARST and
NCSL; and a presentation by CanSAR, a network for radon-induced lung cancer survivors.
2009 National Radon Poster Contest
Congratulation to all the state and tribal nation radon poster contest winners! The National Safety
Council, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sponsored the 2009 National Radon
Poster Contest for children ages 9-14 to generate interest, enthusiasm, and action about radon and to
increase the number of homes tested for radon. To see the first place winner for each state and tribal
nation. Click here
The 2008 Radon Poster Contest Winners
Click here to view the posters that were submitted by talented children from all
over the U.S.
click here
Science Fair Project
This area of the NSC website provides ideas for science fair projects that will
explain the science, health risks, exposure routes, mitigation and other aspects
of radon. Geared towards teachers and middle and high school students, it provides
helpful images, diagrams, and resources about radon and what can be done to prevent
exposure to radon. Click here
for more info.
U.S. Surgeon General Issues New National Health Advisory on Radon
Today the Surgeon General of the United States, Richard Carmona, issued a Health
Advisory about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. He urged Americans
to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. Dr. Carmona
also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible when the radon
level is 4 pCi/L or more. Dr. Carmona noted that more than 20,000 Americans die
of radon-related lung cancer each year. View the press release and full text of the Surgeon General's Health
Advisory on radon.
US Environmental Protection Agency's National Radon Action Month Proclamation
January has been designated as National Radon Action Month. The US Environmental
Protection Agency's National Radon Action Month Proclamation is now available on
the web! Located on their
Indoor Air—Radon page, the Proclamation encourages all Americans to learn
more about the health risk posed by radon.
National Radon Fix-It Program
The National Safety Council, a non-profit organization, operates the
Radon Fix-It Program free of charge. The Radon Fix-It Program provides guidance
to consumers with elevated radon levels (4 pCi/L or higher) to take the necessary
steps towards fixing their homes.
The Health Effects of Exposure to Indoor Radon
Read the public summary of the National Academy of Sciences'
Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI Report.
Recent Radon Pooling Studies
Two new pooling studies reduce the uncertainty associated with residential risk
estimates and add to the body of scientific knowledge which supports action to reduce
the public's exposure to radon in indoor air. See the North American pooling abstract and the European pooling abstract.
