Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. Seeping into homes through small cracks and openings in the foundation, long-term exposure to radon can cause numerous health hazards and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Here is a list of resources from state, federal, and global organizations with valuable information on the risks of exposure to radon and how to best protect yourself and your family.
Environmental Protection Agency
As the leading U.S. government organization on environmental hazards and safety, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national radon policies, guidelines, and standards which serve as the basis for many state and local radon programs.
Health Risks of Radon – This page provides information and additional resources discussing the various health risks associated with long-term radon exposure, radon related lung-cancer, and other radon risks.
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon – This guide provides a comprehensive overview of radon and its pervasiveness across the United States as well as discussing the importance of radon testing and how to fix radon issues in your home.
Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home – This guide provides comprehensive details and instructions regarding indoor radon, selecting a state-certified radon mitigation contractor, radon reduction techniques, and how to maintain your radon reduction system.
Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon – This guide is for individuals looking to purchase a new home or put theirs on the market, providing testing recommendations, details on radon-resistant construction, and mitigation suggestions.
Radon in Homes, Schools, and Buildings – Intended as a general resource, this page provides a general overview of how radon affects different property types, testing, mitigation, and quick access to state radiation programs.
A Radon Guide for Tenants – This guide is for tenants of rental properties such as apartments and houses, explaining what radon is, how to go about testing for rental properties, and steps that can be taken by renters to protect themselves from radon.
Radon Standards of Practice – From residential structures to commercial and mixed-use buildings, this page provides access to the standards of practice for radon testing and mitigation set forth by the Indoor Environments Association™ (formerly AARST).
Radon Zones Map – This map provides a general overview of the recorded average concentrations of indoor radon found across the United States as well as brief explanations of the different radon zones.
Indoor Environments Association
Formerly the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), the Indoor Environments Association™ develops rigorous protocols for radon professional training and certification to reduce radon risk. It publishes technical standards manuals for radon testing devices and effective mitigation practices in buildings across the United States.
National Radon Proficiency Program – Also referred to as the NRPP, this program developed by the Indoor Environments Association™ provides certification credentials for professional radon testers and mitigators, including our radon experts.
National Consensus Standards for Every Building Type – From the protocol for conducting radon measurements in residential properties to soil gas control systems in new construction, this page provides PDFs covering all standards for testing and mitigation as well as specifications for their respective devices.
Radon Action Resources – This page offers communication tools to help the radon community spread awareness and save lives, including ideas, templates, and instructions for successful National Radon Action Month campaigns at the community level.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization, commonly referred to as WHO, is a specialized United Nations agency focusing on global public health and disease prevention. They have published extensive radon risk assessments analyzing the health burdens associated with radon gas exposure in homes and buildings across the world.
WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon – This guide focuses on reducing health risks from residential radon exposure and provides recommendations on radon measurement, prevention, mitigation, cost-effectiveness, risk communication, and national radon programs.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has for decades provided authoritative and independent reports assessing the latest evidence on radon risks and making science-based recommendations on exposure prevention and mitigation strategies.
Health Effects of Exposure to Radon – This free book provides exhaustive coverage of the health risks of radon (both lung cancer and non-lung-cancer illnesses) as well comprehensive reports and data examining the progeny of radon and its interaction with exterior factors.
State of New Mexico
Though not the highest in the Southwest, many areas in New Mexico experience dangerous levels of radon. The New Mexico Environment Department works to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for current and future generations.
Radiation Control Bureau – The New Mexico Radiation Control Bureau regulates radiation sources and provides radon outreach, ensuring safe beneficial uses of radiation while protecting workers, the public, and the environment. The Bureau assists harmed workers, provides emergency training, and administers medical and radiological certification programs.
State of Texas
Though seeing more moderate average levels of radon, with about 1 in 5 homes testing above the EPA action level, radon is still a concern in Texas. There are several resources for radon services and information in Texas, including two state radiation programs.
Radiation Control – The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Radiation Control monitors radon levels and exposure statewide, provides radon measurement devices to residents at discounted prices, and offers guidance on radon resistant construction methods.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates the extraction, storage, and disposal of radioactive material, issuing licenses for handling radioactive substances. TCEQ also oversees low-level radioactive waste compact disposal, mixed waste disposal, tailings impoundments, and naturally occurring radioactive material disposal.
State of Colorado
Colorado is known for its elevated indoor radon risk, with the average level being 6.3 pCi/L, well above the EPA’s recommended action level. The state has a higher prevalence of radon due to its geological characteristics, with many homes having elevated radon levels.
Radiation Control Program – The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Radiation Control Program works to prevent radiation injuries by regulating ionizing radiation sources, including radioactive materials, x-ray machines, and addressing radon exposure in homes. They oversee, license, and inspect facilities dealing with radioactive materials to ensure safety measures are in place.
