The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is promoting radon awareness this month in observance of Earth Day. The department is working to educate citizens about the dangers of radon exposure and, for a limited time, distributing free test kits.
“A simple, do-it-yourself test with these kits can determine the presence of radon in the home and save lives,” says TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau.
The outreach effort is supported by the American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and county health departments.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the No. 1 cause among nonsmokers. The EPA estimates that 70 percent of Tennessee’s population lives in high- or moderate-risk radon areas.
Nationally, about 6 percent of homes surveyed had elevated levels of radon. In contrast, 16 percent of Tennessee homes surveyed had elevated levels, and, in some counties, 33 percent to 75 percent of homes tested had elevated levels of radon, according to TDEC statistics.
“It is important to test your home since radon acts unpredictably,” Martineau says. “It is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled.”
To register for a complimentary test kit, visit www.tn.gov/environment/sustainable-practices_radon-program.shtml or call the Tennessee Radon Program at 800-232-1139.