NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH Raising Awareness, Reducing Risk, Saving Lives

What is Radon? Radon A naturally occurring, radioactive gas released from rocks, soil, and water Can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings We can’t see, smell, or taste radon Can be a problem in any home, school, or building across the country

What is the problem? Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers Radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States

What is the solution? Test your home or building for radon –It’s the only way to know if you have a radon problem You can fix a radon problem –Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs

How can you help? Raise Radon Awareness!  Get the message out about the dangers of radon year-round  Conduct special activities and events in January during National Radon Action Month  Go to to learn how you can help.

January is National Radon Action Month Who should participate? Individuals, groups, and organizations concerned about lung cancer and public health What is the goal? Increase public awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices Ultimately save lives from radon-induced lung cancer Now is the perfect time to get involved!

Last Year’s National Radon Action Month Results [Highlight recent National Radon Action Month results of your choice (e.g., at the national or state/local level, or project-specific) to provide context and set the stage for development of goals for the upcoming National Radon Action Month]

How To Get Involved in National Radon Action Month Set a goal to reduce radon risk in your community Plan activities and events in January –Work with radon partners in your community Publicize your activities and recognize your successes Collect results from your activities Share your project ideas, efforts, and results at Use National Radon Action Month to kick off a broader radon awareness campaign in your community

State radon programs Tribal Nations and Pueblos Government agencies Non-profit organizations Radon testers & mitigators Local businesses Housing professionals Health care professionals Human resources, environmental, and safety officers at work sites Advocacy organizations concerned about cancer Schools Homeowners’ associations Other community-based groups interested in public health Engage Different Stakeholders

National Radon Action Month Success Stories [Choose from success stories on: Or

Tools and Resources Available National Radon Action Month Web site: –Consumer information Information for individuals who want to reduce their family’s risk of lung cancer –Partner information A downloadable National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit A national map showing the activities and events you submit Regular updates about radon outreach Success stories Links to additional radon materials and resources

Event Planning Kit Available for download from National Radon Action Month Web site Resource to help you plan, implement, and evaluate your activities Includes many useful templates, tips, and examples –Radon fact sheets –Media outreach tips –Tips for holding a Radon Poster Contest –Sample press release, op-ed, and letter to the editor –Sample proclamation –And more!

More Resources Newsletters –Receive the latest updates in your Public Service Announcements (PSAs) –Free print, radio and television PSAs are available for you to personally deliver to your local media outlets Graphics –Variety of styles so you can customize Web or print materials –Available in low- and high-resolution

Sample Timeline: Planning Stage Summer – Set Your Goals –Establish a baseline –Consider how different activities reach different audiences and contribute to radon risk reduction –Identify ways to track results Fall – Plan Your Activities and Events –Choose your activities –Engage key partners and clarify responsibilities –Establish your timeline and resources needed –Explore ways to publicize your activities and events –Submit a brief description of your activities and events to the National Radon Action Month Web site

Sample Timeline: Implementation January –Publicize your activities and events –Track your results –Share your success Submit a brief description of your activities and events at

Sample Timeline: Evaluation & More February - March –Use your tracking data to evaluate the overall results of your activity –Share your success with EPA and other radon stakeholders –Continue working with your community to raise radon awareness Promote radon awareness during other special emphasis periods year-round, such as Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) or Children’s Health Month (October) –Build on your successes for the next National Radon Action Month!

For More Information See the National Radon Action Month Web site and Event Planning Kit at: Contact [provide your name and contact information] Together we can save lives from radon-induced lung cancer!