Environmental Health Center
This kit is designed to help managers provide radon education and testing programs to their employees. The kit contains background information, sample articles and a camera-ready radon test kit coupon to hand out to employees. All of the information contained in the Radon Corporate Leader Kit is included here, with the exception of the camera-ready coupon.
Each camera-ready coupon is assigned its own code so we can track it, and pass on to you how successful your outreach program is. To receive your free camera-ready coupon call the Helpline at (800) 557-2366.
The following sections are included in the Radon Corporate Leader Kit and can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate section or by scrolling down through the document.
All rocks contain some uranium, although most contain just a small amount. Certain types of rock, including granites, dark shales, light-colored volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks containing phosphate, and metamorphic rocks derived from these rocks, have higher than average uranium contents. The radon gas from the soil can enter a home or building through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.
Radon is more concentrated in the lower levels of the home (i.e., basements, ground floors and first floors). Radon problems have been identified in every state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that one in 15 homes in the U.S. has an elevated radon level.
Any home may have a radon problem. The Surgeon General and the EPA recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi\L) of air. And the U.S. EPA recommends that action be taken to reduce radon levels if the annual average is 4 pCi/L or higher.
Testing for radon is simple and takes only a few minutes of your time. Radon test kits are placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home and left for the specified period of time. After that time, the kit is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
There are two common types of commercially-available do-it-yourself radon test kits:
2. Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. Alpha track and electret detectors are most commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give a reading that is more likely to estimate your home's year-round average radon level.
There are also qualified contractors who can conduct radon tests. Choose a radon contractor who is state-certified and/or EPA listed. EPA-listed contractors carry an EPA photo identification card.
EPA conducts the Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) program to evaluate companies that make and analyze test kits. Look for a test kit from a company that has successfully completed the RMP program. Most companies indicate approval on the test kit package, such as "Meets EPA requirements."
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, resulting in approximately 14,000 lung cancer deaths every year, according to the U.S. EPA. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years.
Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, we know more about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners) exposed to radon. This is unlike many other substances which have data only from animals studies.
Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stopping smoking and lowering a high radon level are the best ways to help prevent lung cancer.
Children have been reported to have a greater risk than adults of certain types of cancer from radiation, but currently there are no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon.
Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
You can order a camera-ready radon test kit coupon which you may copy for distribution by calling the Helpline at (800) 557-2366. Your company will be assigned a specific code which will appear in the lower right hand corner of the coupon. This code will allow us to provide you with information on how many test kits have been bought and used as a result of your efforts. The camera-ready coupon is available by calling the Helpline at (800) 557-2366.
You may want to enclose the coupon with paycheck stubs or put a copy in your company newsletter.
Your logo can be added to the coupon. If you plan to alter the coupon in any way, please make sure to keep your code on the coupon. Also, please send a copy of the new coupon to the National Safety Council at the address on the coupon.
The coupon is for a $7.00 radon test kit ($17.00 for New Jersey Residents), a savings of approximately $13.00. This price includes postage and analyzation fees.
The radon detector is a short-term test whose manufacturer has met EPA's requirements under the Radon Analytical Service Provider Program. The kits are simple to use, just follow the directions on the package and return the entire kit to the manufacturer for analysis at no additional charge. Each person usually receives their results within two to three weeks. If the level is above 4.0 pCi/L, information about corrective measures is included with the results.
Long term kits are available from the Helpline for $20.00. We do not provide camera-ready coupons for long-term kits. Employees can call the Helpline directly, (800) 557-2366, to order them.
The National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center operates a Radon Helpline, 1-800-55-RADON. When calling the Helpline, an Environmental Health Specialist can help you plan your radon employee outreach program and answer general and technical questions.
The Helpline's hours of business are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m. EST.
To receive general information, employees can also call the EPA's 24 hr. automated hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON.
Tying your outreach effort to a timely holiday or other seasonal activity can stimulate your program. Here is a calendar of activities you could use as "hooks" to engage employee participation.
New Years -- Provide a list of "Resolutions for a Healthy New Year" in your employee newsletter -- include testing homes for radon and fixing the problem if elevated levels are found.
Spring Cleaning -- The coming of spring provides an opportunity for a promoting how testing a home for radon and making necessary repairs can offer a homeowner real "fresh air!"
Cancer Control Month (Sponsored by the American Cancer Society) -- Provide a health fair for employees and distribute radon information and radon test kit coupons.
Clean Air Week (Sponsored annually by the American Lung Association) -- A public awareness program to inform Americans about indoor and outdoor air pollution. It provides a natural tie-in for promoting radon.
National Employee Health and Fitness Day (May 18) -- Update your materials from Labor Day and promote radon awareness to your employees.
The Fourth of July -- Have a local politician provide a proclamation on behalf of the holiday. "Freedom to Breathe Clean Air" is an approach to use as a kick-off for a radon outreach campaign for your employees.
Labor Day -- On this holiday to honoring the work force, urge your company to test for radon.
Fall -- As cooler weather approaches, remind home owner employees that radon testing/mitigation should be included in seasonal home repair chores or activities.
National Radon Action Week! - Third week in October.
Family Health Month -- (Sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians) -- Encourage employees to act against a major health hazard threatening families -- radon.
Great American Smoke-Out-- This annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society gains widespread media attention. Take advantage of this existing attention to the #1 leading cause of lung cancer by encouraging employees to help prevent the second leading cause of lung cancer -- radon.
Thanksgiving -- Encourage employees to test by tying in with this holiday, such as "Be Thankful for a Safe Home -- Test it for Radon."
Christmas -- Distribute radon test kit coupons with employee checks and promote testing as "gifts of health," and underline how radon is more concentrated during winter months when houses are less ventilated.
You can't see it, taste it, or smell it -- but it can be in your home. The only way to know if you have RADON, is to test. Radon has been found in all 50 states, and elevated levels have been found in our area. To receive a coupon for a radon test kit, please stop by the Human Resources Department on the fifth floor.
The Human Resource Department will be holding a brown bag luncheon seminar on Wednesday, March 21st -- the first day of spring. The topic: RADON. Remember, radon testing when doing your spring cleaning. For more information call ...
Radon is a serious health threat. However, because it is invisible and odorless, people tend to ignore it. The fact is, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer -- and is the leading cause among non-smokers!
To pick-up your radon test kit information pack, please stop by the Human Resource Department on the ninth floor.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Each year in the United States exposure to indoor radon gas causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths. You cannot see, taste or smell radon, but at elevated levels indoors, it can pose a significant health risk.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be emitted from surrounding soil into the home. Any soil anywhere can contain radon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Surgeon General and the National Safety Council recommend that all residences (except those above the third floor) be tested for radon.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States, after smoking. To find out more about the hazards of radon gas and how to test for it, come to:
If you would like to receive additional information, please call the Radon Helpline at (800) 55-RADON.
The National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center (EHC) has a service to assist human resource managers in raising awareness about radon and indoor air quality. The Air Quality Speaker Referral Service provides a link to knowledgeable, experienced professionals who can speak on radon and/or indoor air at various locations, including your worksite. Speakers are identified through a joint effort with the American Lung Association, the International City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Environmental Health Center.
To obtain a qualified speaker, please call the Radon Helpline at (800) 55-RADON, or E-mail us.
| June 18, 1997 | | Disclaimer/Policy |