PENNSYLVANIA — In a report that has sent shockwaves across the Keystone State, the American Lung Association has revealed that a staggering 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have high levels of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer. This disclosure comes as part of the Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report and coincides with January’s National Radon Action Month.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, odorless, tasteless, and colorless, that can seep into homes through cracks in floors, basement walls, foundations, and other openings. Alarmingly, this silent killer is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year nationwide, taking the top spot as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Interim Acting Secretary, Jessica Shirley, expressed serious concern over the widespread presence of radon within the Commonwealth. “The Department of Environmental Protection remains committed to addressing radon issues and keeping all Pennsylvanians safe,” said Shirley. She added that the DEP is actively working with home builders, school districts, realtors, and other state departments to address this pressing issue.
In response to these findings, Governor Shapiro has issued a proclamation declaring January 2024 as Radon Action Month in Pennsylvania. The month-long campaign urges residents to test their homes for radon, with the Lung Association offering a limited supply of free radon test kits to expedite the process. Available to Pennsylvania residents at Lungradonkits.org/pa, these kits are funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania DEP.
Kevin Stewart, Director of Environmental Health for the Lung Association, stressed the importance of testing. “Radon in homes is more common than you think. Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s most serious radon problems,” he said. “Testing is the only way to know how much radon is in your home. The good news is that it is easy to test. Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use and inexpensive.”
If high levels of radon are detected, a certified professional should install a radon mitigation system. These systems, which consist of a vent pipe, fan, and properly sealed cracks and other openings, collect radon gas from underneath a building’s foundation and safely vent it outside.
The American Lung Association offers a free Radon Basics course and more information on radon testing and mitigation at Lung.org/radon. With this knowledge, Pennsylvanians can take action to protect their homes and their health from the silent threat of radon.
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