American Lung Association offers free radon test kits
The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania is helping protect the health of residents by providing free radon test kits. Those interested can visit www.lungradonkits.org, while supplies last.
The lung association is conducting this program under a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for thousands of deaths each year. It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. The only way to detect high levels of radon in your home is to test the air. The U.S. Surgeon General and the American Lung Association recommend that all homes be tested for radon.
“The American Lung Association is using the program to help the public answer DEP’s recent call for everyone to test their homes for radon,” said Kevin Stewart, environmental health director, ALA.
“For the past 25 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies, and organizations nationwide such as the American Lung Association have encouraged the public to test homes and to get radon problems fixed.”
Nearly 1 in 15 homes nationwide have a high level of indoor radon, and in Pennsylvania, rates are even higher. The good news is that homes with high radon levels can be fixed. In most cases, the solution is simple and similar in cost to other typical home repairs.
The number of free radon test kits available to the public is limited, and availability varies according to the region of Pennsylvania where you live.
The lung association asks that those interested request only one test kit per household. In addition, individuals requesting test kits should be Pennsylvania residents who do not have a previous test result for their homes. To obtain a free radon test kit, visit www.lungradonkits.org. These kits can only be requested online.
If you have a question concerning radon or would like to contact your local American Lung Association office, call the American Lung Association Helpline toll-free at 1-800-LUNG-USA.