National Radon Action Month: Why Awareness Matters
Learn proactive strategies so businesses can celebrate National Radon Action Month meaningfully while reducing exposure levels.
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Learn proactive strategies so businesses can celebrate National Radon Action Month meaningfully while reducing exposure levels.
National Radon Action Month (NRAM) is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas and encourage individuals and workplaces to take action against this invisible threat. It is primarily recognized in the US and is designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the month-long observance occurs every January in the US, there is also an associated event known as Radon Action Week during this time.
Radon is a radioactive gas naturally formed when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. . Because uranium occurs naturally in the earth, small amounts of radon can be found in nearly all soil, rock, water, plants, and even food. While not as well-known as other radioactive sources or risks to the general population, radon should always be considered when discussing radiation safety.
When inhaled, radon breaks down into radioactive particles that can lodge in the lungs, leading to various complications such as breathing problems and lung cancer. For those who smoke, these risks are heightened. In the US, nearly 25% of the population could potentially be threatened by dangerous levels of radon at or above 148 Bq/m³. As radon can be found anywhere, it has become the second leading cause of lung cancer and is linked to an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
As part of ongoing radiation safety efforts and campaigns promoting the mantra “Test. Fix. Save a Life”, this celebration aims to do the following:
Increase awareness: Educate the public about the dangers of radon exposure and the importance of testing homes for radon levels.
Promote testing: Encourage homeowners and business owners to test their residences for radon, as nearly one in fifteen homes in the US is estimated to have elevated radon levels.
Promote equity in radon solutions: Ensure underserved populations have access to testing, education, and mitigation support.
Support mitigation efforts: Advocate for effective radon reduction strategies and provide resources for mitigation.
January serves as the perfect time for National Radon Action Month due to unique practical and strategic factors. Some of which are the following:
First, winter months are ideal for radon testing. During the colder months, most buildings are sealed tightly to retain heat. This creates an environment where radon can easily accumulate to detectable levels. Testing during this period provides more accurate readings of radon exposure risks under conditions most representative of daily life indoors.
The timing of National Radon Action Month in January also aligns well with broader strategic goals for health and safety. The start of a new year provides an opportunity for fresh initiatives, making it an ideal time for different industries, organizations, and individuals to take actionable steps toward radiation safety. It’s a season of resolutions, and testing for radon fits naturally into commitments.
The legal basis for this observance stems from the EPA’s mandate to protect public health and the environment, which includes addressing indoor air quality issues such as radon exposure. The EPA works with state and local agencies to implement public health initiatives, such as:
Awareness campaigns: These campaigns educate the public about the dangers of radon and promote actions to reduce exposure, such as the Radon Leaders Saving Lives Campaign and free radon resources and publications.
Promotion of radon home testing: The EPA suggests home testing for radon every two years or after major renovations. You can easily do this with DIY kits from home improvement stores or local health departments.
Community events: Local organizations, such as schools and community centers, may hold events to educate the public about the dangers of radon, such as the National Radon Poster Contest.
Radon-resistant construction: The EPA encourages builders to incorporate radon-resistant techniques in new construction and make homes less susceptible to radon infiltration .
Radon programs: The EPA also funds other radon programs to support public health initiatives, such as Radon Awareness Week and the National Radon Action Plan (NRAP).
Additionally, the EPA works with public health agencies to raise awareness and tackle environmental health issues, especially during National Radon Action Month events. Key partners include:
World Health Organization (WHO): The EPA works with the WHO to tackle global health issues such as radon, air quality, and climate change’s effects on health.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The EPA collaborates closely with the CDC to raise awareness about indoor air quality issues like radon, especially in homes and workplaces.
American Public Health Association (APHA): An organization focused on improving public health and promoting health equity, including radon safety measures.
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA): NEHA supports environmental health professionals through education and resources to address and improve air quality.
Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL): APHL collaborates with the EPA to strengthen laboratory capabilities for detecting and monitoring environmental contaminants across the US and worldwide.
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO): NACCHO works with the EPA to implement local public health initiatives for environmental health.
National Radon Action Month provides an excellent opportunity for workplaces to raise awareness about radon, its health risks, and ways to mitigate it. To participate in this observance and promote workplace health, organizations can do the following:
Knowledge is the first step toward action. Workplaces can organize informative sessions with the help of digital training courses to educate employees about radon gas. These campaigns can include:
distributing informational materials, such as brochures, infographics, or videos;
hosting interactive activities, like quizzes or competitions; and
organizing workshops or seminars hosted by experts to educate employees.
Offer free or subsidized radon testing for workplace buildings as part of building and facility management. This way, organizations can ensure a safer space for employees and demonstrate their commitment to health and safety. This includes hiring certified professionals for radon testing services and installing sensors for continuous monitoring for real-time updates and ongoing monitoring of radon levels.
Collaborating with organizations like the EPA or local health departments can amplify the impact of radon awareness efforts. Partnerships may involve doing the following:
Hosting joint events such as awareness campaigns or workshops that bring together multiple stakeholders.
Leveraging expert resources from organizations specializing in radon safety, such as toolkits, presentations, or guest speakers.
Extending community outreach programs beyond the workplace to local communities as part of your organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Technology is a game-changer in monitoring and mitigating radon risks. Workplaces can use National Radon Action Month to train employees on using modern radon monitoring tools and safety technologies. Examples of these monitoring tools include:
Air quality sensors: These sensors monitor air quality and report high radon levels in real time, proactively responding to potential risks.
Standard carbon dioxide sensor: These are often provided with other sensors or are included in them to better monitor indoor air quality, including radon.
Keeping your environment radon-safe requires continuous vigilance and proactive measures. You must routinely do the following:
Steps for Ensuring Radon Safety
If you neglect regular radon testing, you may miss out on the presence of a threat that could be present in your workplace. Perform radon tests every two years or after significant structural changes to your building. Use certified radon test kits or hire licensed professionals to ensure accuracy.
Installing a radon monitoring system that continuously measures indoor air quality and ambient temperature helps detect harmful levels and triggers real-time alerts for immediate response. Sensors provide a reliable way to keep track of radon levels and mitigate risks effectively.
In addition to ongoing monitoring, there are steps you can take to reduce radon levels in your workplace. These include the following:
Sealing gaps, cracks, or openings in the foundation, walls, and floors to prevent radon from entering the building
Installing a durable vapor barrier over the foundation to act as an additional shield against radon infiltration
Improving existing ventilation systems and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems with natural or mechanical systems to maintain airflow and better air quality in the workplace
Organizations can use safety tools and resources to facilitate radon mitigation efforts. These resources may include:
Radon testing and mitigation toolkits with step-by-step guidelines for testing and remediation.
Online training courses on radon safety for employees.
Access to expert support, including consultations or webinars.
Regular radon testing and monitoring may not always detect significant changes in levels. Therefore, continuous monitoring with advanced sensors can provide real-time insights into potential threats to employee health and safety.
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