Radon: The invisible killer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the General Services Administration and several federal departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services, launched an action plan recently that aims to reduce Americans’ exposure to radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive chemical that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to the EPA.

The Federal Radon Action Plan was announced at the National Healthy Homes Conference in Colorado in the third week of June and will focus on educating families about risks associated with radon exposure. Other goals include incorporating radon testing and mitigation into federal programs, establishing incentives to encourage testing in the public and private sector, and updating codes in schools, daycares and housing facilities.

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend individuals test their homes for radon levels at least every two years, as approximately one in 15 American homes contains high levels.