NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTHRaising 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 www.epa.gov/radon/nram to learn how you

can help.

January is National Radon Action MonthWho 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

www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities.html. • 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:

www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities

Or

www.epa.gov/radon/nram/archive]

Tools and Resources Available

• National Radon Action Month Web site:

www.epa.gov/radon/nram– 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 e-mail

• 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 www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities.html

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: www.epa.gov/radon/nram

Contact [provide your name and contact information]

Together we can save lives fromradon-induced lung cancer!