National Radon Action Month: Protect Your Home and Health

Understanding the Risk from Radon

January is National Radon Action Month, and it's the perfect time to learn about the potential dangers of radon in your home. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can pose serious health risks. As the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in America, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. It's crucial to understand that you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at dangerous levels in your home.

Why Testing for Radon Is Important

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If high radon levels are detected in your home, steps can be taken to fix the problem and protect your family.

Take Action This January

As part of Radon Action Month, the Radon Leaders Saving Lives Campaign—a collaboration hosted by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) with contributions from industry and the EPA—provides valuable resources and support. Here are five things you can do during National Radon Action Month:

1. Test Your Home: The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home and obtaining an easy-to-use test kit.
2. Attend a Radon Event: Look for National Radon Action Month events in your community to learn more and get involved.
3. Spread the Word: Encourage others to learn about radon and test their homes. Share information with family and friends and plan activities in your community to raise awareness. You can also write an op-ed or letter to the editor, or work with a local official to get a radon proclamation.
4. Buy a Radon-Resistant Home: Consider radon-resistant new construction when buying a home. Building radon-resistant homes is practical and straightforward for builders, and it provides a safer living environment.
5. Utilize Resources: View the EPA's free radon publications and visit the CDC's Radon Toolkit for graphics and videos you can use all year.

SCDES Offers Free Radon Test Kits

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is committed to helping residents protect their health. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in almost every county of South Carolina. Radon can only be detected by performing a home test, but it can be mitigated if found. SCDES provides links to lists of credentialed radon professionals, guidance for choosing a radon contractor, and other resources about radon mitigation on our website.

SCDES offers one free radon test kit per home, which can be requested at des.sc.gov/radon, while supplies last. Radon test kits can also be purchased from the National Radon Program (sosradon.org, 1-800-767-7236) for $17.

For more information about radon, visit des.sc.gov/radon, email radon@des.sc.gov, or call 1-800-768-0362.