American Lung Association busts myths about radon, second-leading cause of lung cancer

LOS ANGELES – Radon is a naturally occurring gas that hides invisibly in homes, yet is the nation’s second-leading cause of lung cancer. This January, during Radon Action Month, American Lung Association is raising awareness about radon and addressing common myths around this deadly gas.

“Hidden in far too many homes is the nation’s second-leading cause of lung cancer, radon. Lung cancer remains the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths, so people need to be aware of and take action on radon,” William Barrett, director of Clean Air Advocacy for American Lung Association in California, said. “The good news is that testing for and reducing the high radon levels is straightforward and effective. The Lung Association encourages all families, schools and daycares to test for radon to protect everyone’s health and save lives.”

Radon has been found in every county in California with several areas on the Central Coast registering potential elevated levels. These are some common myths about radon.

Myth No. 1 is that radon is not really harmful.

Not only is radon invisible; it’s also radioactive. While it can’t be seen, exposure to high levels of radon over time can cause lung cancer, and radon ranks as the nation’s second-leading cause of the disease. Radon-related lung cancers are responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year in the United States.

Myth No. 2 is that radon is rare and doesn’t impact the community.

The reality is that radon is found at dangerous levels in an estimated 1 in 15 homes nationwide. One home can have elevated levels of radon while their neighbor’s home does not. It doesn’t matter which part of the country a home is in because radon comes from rock and soil, it can be found anywhere. It enters the home or building through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings and can exist at dangerous levels indoors.

Myth No. 3 is that testing for radon is expensive.

The only way to detect dangerous levels of radon in a home is to test the air. Various forms of do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use, inexpensive and can be purchased online or at home improvement and hardware stores. Professional testing is also available, often for under $300, although the price varies by location and building size. Schools and daycares may need professional help to do the testing.

Myth No. 4 is that schools are safe.

Testing for radon in schools is not required in most states nor is fixing the problem. Not only children, but teachers and other staff who work in schools can be exposed to dangerous levels of radon. The last nationwide survey of radon levels in schools, completed in 1993, found that nearly one in five schools had at least one classroom with dangerous levels of radon. The American Lung Association leads a coalition of groups working to highlight the importance of testing for radon in both schools and daycares through the National Radon Action Plan. In 2014, federal actions have already reached an estimated 1.6 million homes, schools and child care facilities with guidance and incentives to reduce radon risk and have tested for and mitigate high radon risk when necessary in nearly 200,000 units.

To learn more about radon and how to test homes, visit http://www.Lung.org/radon or call the toll-free Lung HelpLine at (800) 266-7883.

Submitted by the American Lung Association.