by Colleen Christian
Manager, South Carolina Operations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Radon Awareness Week is this week (January 24-28, 2022). Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, tasteless and radioactive gas, which when trapped in homes and buildings can build up causing occupant exposure. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon concentrations causes an increased risk of lung cancer. Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of health risks attributed to radon exposure. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the US alone.
January is also National Radon Action Month. The focus of National Radon Action Month is threefold and directed toward public awareness, the promotion of testing and mitigation, and the implementation of radon-resistant practices in new construction. The EPA and US Surgeon’s General encourages Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings where occupancy duration contributes to long term exposures. Lung cancer from radon exposure is preventable and testing radon levels in your home is the first step in protecting your family.
EI maintains a staff of professionals certified by the EPA’s Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program. In addition, EI is listed with the EPA for secondary measurement services and has been issued RMP number 2214600. If you are concerned about radon levels in your facility, please contact Colleen Christian at (864) 809-3409 or cchristian@ei1.com.