Guest Blog: My Favorite Green Things

Kristy Miller works in EPA's Air and Radiation Office.

This Holiday season driving to the Midwest in my jam-packed car, I had the radio tuned to Dr. Mehmet Oz (you know him; he’s Oprah’s favorite doctor in green scrubs). Dr. Oz is fast becoming my favorite doc too. I tipped my hat when I heard him tell America that radon in homes is a leading cause of lung cancer and it’s easy to get your home tested and fixed for this invisible radioactive gas that’s a silent killer. (I couldn’t have scripted him any better myself!)

It so happened that my car was packed with some of “my favorite things” to give away to family and friends-- radon test kits. January is National Radon Action Month and my friends are protecting their families using their newly-gifted test kits.

Radon in homes is everyone’s equal opportunity environmental health risk. Regardless of what type of home you live in, new or old, basement or not, it could have high radon; and, regardless of where you live it’s been found in every state. EPA estimates one in 15 homes will have a high level. The only way to determine if your home has high radon is to test for it; the good news is any home can be “fixed” relatively easily.   

Radon seeps into homes undetected from underground soil gases produced by decaying uranium inside the earth. About 20 years ago we learned that homes can act like a plastic bag trapping unhealthy radon levels inside.

In 1998 Harvard’s School of Public Health ranked breathing indoor radon as the highest preventable home risk contributing to premature death. The experts estimate radon causes 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Without any federal mandates, EPA’s role is to keep this silent environmental health risk in front of Americans who might otherwise "forget about it".   

So how’s EPA doing against this radioactive threat? 

Starting from a baseline of zero public awareness 20 years ago, here’s the estimated progress: 

• 75% of Americans have heard of radon;
• 20% of homes have been tested;
• One million high homes have been fixed;
• Some 1.5 million new homes built with radon-resistant features.

So far, we’ve saved about 6,000 lives—our goal is to double that, saving 12,000 lives, by 2012. 

The ultimate way to beat this cancer risk is to build new homes with radon-resistant features. New for 2008, EPA has a building green media campaign with Fuad Reveiz , a member of the National Association of Home Builders. Fuad says building new homes radon-resistant is a win-win because it’s a simple and cost-effective way to offer the benefit of a healthier home. 

A radon test kit is the perfect gift for every family and for every occasion. (I betcha Oprah will have radon test kits on her “favorite things” list soon too!)

Learn more at  www.epa.gov/radon  or call 1-800-SOS-RADON

Comments

[Dave Fege]

According to National Cancer Insitute, radon is the second (not first)leading cause of lung cancer. See following link:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/radon

Radon is the leading cause of cancer among non-smokers.

[Kristy Miller]

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer -- after smoking. If you're a non-smoker, as many of us are, breathing radon in your home may well be your primary risk for lung cancer. And, this exposure is preventable.

[Kristy Miller]

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer -- after smoking. If you're a non-smoker, as many of us are, breathing radon in your home may well be your primary risk for lung cancer. And, this exposure is preventable.

[Kristy Miller]

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer -- after smoking. If you're a non-smoker, as many of us are, breathing radon in your home may well be your primary risk for lung cancer. And, this exposure is preventable.

The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that all homes be tested for radon (below the third floor).

[Your greatest fan]

Kristy, I'm cheap. Can I get a free radon test kit? If so, where? Also, is there a significant disparity between the accuracy of the results, across different test kits or may I assume they're all accurate enough to believe. How frequently should I re-test?

[Kristy Miller]

Good news, most do-it-yourself radon test kits are inexpensive--some even under $10.

Some local public health deparments may offer low-cost or free radon test kits. I'd recommend that you contact your state radon office or your local public health department to learn more.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/states/ohio.html

The National Safety Council does offer discount coupons for radon test kits
http://www.nsc.org/issues/radon/pdf/Coupon2007.pdf

Yes, radon test kits are reliable and a short-term test is a good indicator of whether you'll need to take any further action. More good news, most homes will not have a radon problem. (Of course, follow the manufacturer's instructions when testing.) Radon levels tend to vary, so, if you want to determine your year-long average level follow up with a long-term test of 90 days or longer.

You should re-test if you have any major renovations or foundation construction. The Surgeon General recommends re-testing in two years. A radon test is an important way to protect your family's health. Thank you for your questions and actions to live your best life! kristy

[Burl Haigwood]

They need to put you on TV! Great advice.

[Marianne Guenther]

I have been a Realtor since 1995. Radon is my platform for both my buyers and sellers in regards to home inspections. I live in Spokane, WA and our levels of Radon have higher radon levels of 4 pCi/L.

The following info is for the EPA- You don't have to post it if you don't want, however I would love it if you did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Y6T3kZzR0

Here is the public service announcement that I made for our local cable company to run warning people the dangers of radon.

[Kristy Miller]

Marianne-- What a terrific and vital public service for your community! You're an example of a citizen leader who is helping to save lives and I encourage others to follow your lead. This is a great example of how realtors can help eduate and protect families from lung cancer risks. We recognize your initiative and thank you for joining us as a radon leader saving lives! kristy

[Philips Medical]

Kristy,
I guess I'm one of those 25% of Americans who have never heard of radon. Now that I know I'd like to get one of those do-it-yourself radon test kits and make sure I'm not breathing that stuff in.

Thanks for the great information!
-Philips

[chris]

Thanks that was very informative, worth looking into it more.