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January is National Radon Action Month (Missouri version)
Release Date: 01/25/2006
Contact Information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Randy Maley
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
573-751-6102
January is National Radon Action Month
The American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are urging residents to take a stand to protect their families by testing their homes for an odorless, colorless, tasteless pollutant that can cause lung cancer. That pollutant, radon, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. EPA estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon-related.
Radon is going undetected in homes across the country. It causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposure can be deadly. EPA estimates that as many as one in five homes in Missouri has elevated radon levels. Some areas have higher levels than others. Simple test kits can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. Testing is critical, because it is the only way to know if a building has significant concentrations of radon.
Radon test kits can be obtained by calling, toll-free, the state radon program at 866-628-9891 or the American Lung Association at (800) LUNG-USA. A list of certified testers and radon mitigation contractors is also available from the state program office.
The American Lung Association HelpLine is an excellent source of clear and accurate information on radon and other lung health issues. The HelpLine is unique in having professional, credentialed staff qualified to answer questions. Free counseling with registered nurses, respiratory therapists and quit-smoking specialists is available by calling (800) LUNG-USA . The line is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. TTY for hearing impaired is available at (800) 501-1068.
Additional information about radon can be obtained from the Radon Fact Sheet , the state radon program Web site at www.dhss.mo.gov/Radon , and EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/radon .
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