Increase Awareness of Radon Risk and Control Strategies
Each year an estimated 21,000 people die from lung cancer caused by radon exposure , yet hundreds of thousands of Americans are still breathing in high levels of radon in buildings where they live , work , study and play . The risk from radon also disproportionately affects lowincome households not able to test for radon and fix when necessary , the same population that suffers from poorer health and greater exposure to other residential hazards compared to more affluent individuals . The first NRAP aimed to expand coordinated messaging and outreach on radon risks across all types of buildings through trusted sources , such as health care providers and schools . Progress in this area was limited and still needs expansion .
Looking Ahead With NRAP | 2021 – 25
In 2021 , the NRAP Leadership Council affirmed its commitment to expand national efforts to eliminate preventable lung cancer from radon in the United States . In implementing NRAP | 2021 – 25 , the Council will look for strategic opportunities to guide the use of existing tools , standards , smart financing and investment to save lives ; support a strong buildings workforce ; and eliminate preventable radon-induced lung cancers with an increased focus on lowincome communities , racial and ethnic minorities , tenants , employees , and children . NRAP | 2021 – 25 goal areas , strategies for action and target outcomes for the next 5 years are shown in Table 1 below .
In NRAP | 2021 – 25 , Goal Area 4 seeks to address historic inequities in knowledge of radon risk and opportunities for risk reduction through increased engagement of intermediaries with responsibility for protecting constituents ’ health in homes , workplaces , schools and childcare settings . The strategies in the Plan include outreach to target audiences that have not historically played a role in radon risk communication , such as social service providers , faith leaders and health care providers , including federally qualified and community health centers .
The National Radon Action Plan | 2021 – 2025 6