National Radon Action Month

National Radon Action Month, observed every January, is an annual campaign designed to bring critical public attention to the dangers of radon gas and encourage life-saving action.

What is National Radon Action Month?

National Radon Action Month (NRAM) is championed by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its primary goal is to educate the public about this invisible threat and promote measurable actions to reduce exposure.

Key Messages & Focus Areas

1. Radon is a Silent Killer: Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground into buildings. Because it cannot be detected by the senses, it is often called a “silent killer.”
2. Leading Cause of Lung Cancer: Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked and the second leading cause overall. It is estimated to cause thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S.
3. Testing is the Only Way to Know: Since you cannot see or smell it, the only way to know if your home has high levels is to test for it. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge everyone to test.
4. Action Saves Lives: If high levels are detected (at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L), effective and relatively inexpensive mitigation systems can be installed to drastically reduce radon levels.
5. Year-Round Awareness: While January gets extra focus, the month aims to establish testing and mitigation as a year-round priority, including checking homes/commercial buildings every two years.

Obtaining a Radon Test Kit

You have several options for acquiring a radon test kit:

• Free or Discounted Kits: Sometimes, local or county health departments or state radon programs offer free or discounted test kits. Contacting your State Radon Office is the best first step to check for local availability.
• Purchase Online:
  • National Radon Program Services (NRPS), run by Kansas State University in partnership with the EPA, offers kits for purchase online or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).
  • Some private companies also sell kits online.
• Local Retailers: Kits are often available at home improvement stores.
• Hiring a Professional: You can hire a qualified radon professional to conduct the test, which is especially recommended if you are buying or selling a home. Your state radon office can provide a list of qualified testers.

Note on Test Types: Short-term tests (2-90 days) give quick results, but long-term tests (over 90 days) are recommended for the most accurate reflection of your home’s year-round average radon level.

EPA Resources for Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extensive resources available:

• General Information: Visit the main EPA Radon Website for risks, solutions, and testing information.
• Hotlines for Help:
  • Radon Hotline: 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) for purchasing kits or general questions.
  • Live Help: 1-800-55RADON (1-800-557-2366) for live answers to your radon questions.
• Key Publications: The EPA provides guides such as,
  • A Citizen’s Guide to Radon
  • Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home
  • Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon
• Finding Professionals: The EPA site can help you Find a Radon Test Kit or Measurement and Mitigation Professional in your area by directing you to state programs or recognized proficiency programs (LIKE NRPP or NRSB).

In essence, National Radon Action Month is a nationwide call to action: Test. Fix. Save a life.