Radon, second leading cause of lung cancer, is found at high levels in ¼ of Rhode Island homes, much higher than the national average

The American Lung Association encourages everyone to test their homes during National Radon Action Month

By: Tim Studebaker

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – January is National Radon Action Month, and the American Lung Association wants you to know how you can protect yourself and your family from this naturally occurring radioactive gas that can sometimes seep into our homes.

Daniel Fitzgerald is the Rhode Island Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. Fitzgerald says, “There are some really serious health risks that come from radon. We know that it’s actually the second leading cause of lung cancer.”

According to the American Lung Association, radon-related lung cancers kill an estimated 21,000 people per year in the US. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, 1 out of every 4 homes in the state contain radon at or above the EPA’s action level. It’s much more common here compared to the national average of 1 out of every 15 homes.

Fitzgerald says, “Just because of the makeup of our soil here, maybe some older foundations is kind of why we see some of those increased rates.”

Since it’s colorless and odorless, you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless you test for it.

Fitzgerald says, “There’s a kind of short-term, do-it-yourself kit which is pretty inexpensive, and then there are some more long-term, higher quality versions of that.”

While the American Lung Association encourages everyone to test their homes, there are some hotspots in our area. According to the Department of Health, more than half of homes tested in Exeter and Richmond have exceeded the EPA’s action level.

Fitzgerald says, “The biggest message from us is get your home tested, whether you rent it, whether you own it, and really make sure that you know the quality of the air that you’re breathing.”

To learn more, visit the American Lung Association website: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/radon

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