The initiative aims to address indoor environmental health risks by providing free radon test kits and promoting education on radon-induced lung cancer prevention.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Expanded Partnership for Free Radon Testing: The American Lung Association and Protect Environmental, in partnership with RAdata Analytical Lab, are providing free radon test kits to homeowners in select communities to raise awareness about radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer.
- Educational Efforts on Radon-Induced Lung Cancer: Alongside free testing, the partnership will focus on proactive education to support the prevention of radon-induced lung cancer, particularly as studies show increasing lung cancer cases among young women and non-smokers.
- National Radon Risk Search Tool: Protect Environmental’s National Radon Risk Search tool helps users learn the average known radon risk in their community and its impact on lung health, using data from the CDC and the company’s internal testing.
The American Lung Association and Protect Environmental, a national firm specializing in environmental consulting and construction with a focus on radon and vapor intrusion management, announced the expansion of their partnership to raise awareness surrounding indoor environmental health risks and provide access to free radon testing to increase awareness about the second leading cause of lung cancer.
This year, to increase access to radon testing, the American Lung Association and Protect Environmental have partnered with RAdata Analytical Lab to provide free radon test kits to homeowners in select communities across our country.
In addition to free testing, Protect Environmental’s National Radon Risk Search tool helps users learn the average known radon risk in their community and how it impacts lung health based on results reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the company’s internal testing data.
Radon Exposure as Leading Cause of Lung Cancer Among Non-smokers
In recent studies, scientists found lung cancer case counts are on the rise among young women and non-smokers. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, second overall only to smoking. Along with encouraging awareness through testing, the partnership will focus on providing proactive education to support the prevention of radon-induced lung cancer in our communities to reverse this deadly trend.
“Lung advocates like the American Lung Association and radon professionals have promoted the need to test all buildings for years, but most places in the country remain dangerously undertested, leaving millions at risk of contracting lung cancer from simply breathing in the spaces they live, work and learn,” says Deb Brown, chief mission officer for the American Lung Association, in a release. “We are pleased to call Protect Environmental our partners as we work together to continue to advance our mutual missions. Providing unprecedented access to free radon testing proves their commitment to creating healthy, safe, and sustainable communities.”
Radon is the leading cause of environmental cancer mortality and claims more than 21,000 American lives each year. Dangerous levels have been found in every state, and any building can contain this invisible cancer-causing gas. Exposure is preventable, but it starts with a test.
“The American Lung Association has been a long-time friend of Protect Environmental. This year, we are excited to expand our relationship and eliminate cost barriers to safe indoor air by making radon testing available to more families,” says Kyle Hoylman, chief executive officer of Protect Environmental and a member of the American Lung Association’s Local Leadership Board in Kentucky, in a release. “Joining forces with the leading lung health advocate will amplify our efforts to increase awareness about the dangers of radon gas exposure, with the ultimate goal of saving lives by preventing radon-induced lung cancer.”
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