RALEIGH, NC – January 3, 2024 – On January 3rd, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed January as National Radon Action Month to help educate people about how to reduce their risk of lung cancer from radon. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is providing 5,000 free radon test kits because testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk. Radon Action Month is recognized nationally during January.
Radon is a naturally occurring odorless and colorless gas that is released from the ground into the air. However, it can be trapped in closed buildings like homes. Therefore, people are at higher risk to develop lung cancer when it reaches harmful levels
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The cancer risk for smokers is increased by 10 times. According to data from the Radiation Protection Section of the NCDHHS, elevated radon levels are present in about 7% of homes in the state and in 73 of 100 counties.
High home levels of radon can be prevented with a home improvement by a certified radon specialist.
The radon test kits are available at radon.ncdhhs.gov. The kit is free, including the return postage.
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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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