Radon is estimated to cause around 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year and is the second leading cause of lung cancer , according to the Environmental Protection Agency . Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can get trapped in homes and buildings and expose the people who live and work inside , increasing their risk of developing lung cancer later in life . This risk is even higher among those who smoke cigarettes . The good news is that exposures to high levels of radon are preventable . CDC ’ s 2022 Radon Awareness Week , January 24‐28 , during National Radon Action Month , highlights these five daily themes :
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Get the Facts : Learn about radon and how to test your home and take actions to reduce high radon levels . Learn the Risks : Get the facts about radon‐associated lung cancer and the combined risk of smoking and radon exposure Explore Data and Resources : Check out information on radon in your state from CDC ’ s tracking network including data on testing and radon levels in homes . Find your state ’ s EPA ’ s radon zone map and information on your state radon program . Keep Schools Safe : See EPA
’ s resources for schools to learn how to keep buildings safe . Bring radon education to the classroom . Kids can be the best messengers for home health information . Talk to Your Patients : Ask if your patients have tested their homes for radon and share information about the riskss and prevention . View new guidance for healthcare providers from the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors .
Subscribe here to the Radiation and
Health Newsletterfor announcements and activities in observance of Radon Awareness Week . Visit CDC ’ s Radon Awareness Week webpage for daily themee graphics and messaging to share on social media . Find more information and resources onCDC ’ s Radon website .