National Radon Results

National Radon Results: 1985-1999

Gregory, Jalbert, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2002)

Since the mid-1980s the United States has made significant progress in reducing the risk from exposure to radon. This progress is the result of a long-term effort between EP A, citizens, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, the business community, and other Federal agencies working together. More adult Americans are knowledgeable about radon than at any time since the mid-1980s, when radon became a National health concern. Approximately two-thirds (66%) of Americans are generally aware of radon, and of those three-quarters (75%, on average) understand that radon is a health hazard. Since the mid-1980s, about 18 million homes have been tested for radon and about 500,000 of them have been mitigated. Approximately 1.8 million new homes have been built with radon-resistant features since 1990.

EPA will continue to focus its efforts, and those of its partners, on achieving actual risk reduction through the mitigation of existing homes and the building of new homes to be radon-resistant. EPA’s estimates of risk reduction are predicated upon mitigation systems being properly installed, operated and maintained. As a result of these actions to reduce radon levels in homes through 1999, EPA estimates that approximately 350 future lung cancer deaths will be prevented each year. This annual rate is expected to rise as radon levels are lowered in more new and existing homes.