Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. The Surgeon General estimates that 21,000 lives are lost each year to radon-induced lung cancer. Radon can be found in all 50 states. Unless you test for it, there is no way of telling how much is present. For more information on how to test your home, contact the National Radon Hotline at 800-SOS-RADON (800-767-7236).

Lead Poisoning

Today there are still about 38 million homes that contain some lead paint—about 40% of all US housing. Leaded gasoline emissions that were deposited over the years in the soil near highways and busy roads continue to contaminate many yards. And thousands of old lead pipes that continue to serve as water service lines in many older US cities also continue to leach lead into drinking water. Also, many imported items such as toys have leaded paint. The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Families need to be informed about the various sources of lead and need to be vigilant in preventing exposure.

Sun Safety

With one in five Americans developing skin cancer, childhood education about sun safety is a vital step toward reducing risk and improving public health. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays seriously threatens human health. Besides the immediate effect of sunburn, over time excess UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and premature aging. About 23 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Learning about sun safety and dangers of sunbeds is the key to reducing the risk of future health problems.

Radiation

Radiation is all around us, every minute of every day. Some radiation is essential to life, such as heat and light from the sun. We could not exist without it. Some radiation informs and entertains us, through video signals and sounds from television sets and radios. As used in medicine, radiation helps us diagnose and treat diseases and save lives. Yet it can also pose serious risks.

Understanding Radiation
Children’s Activity Booklet
Answers to Children's Activity Booklet

insurekidsnow.gov

Partnering with Your Teen Driver

Parents play the most important role in their teen's learning-to-drive process. The Alive at 25 Parent Program offers practical solutions to reduce the unique risks and hazards of teen drivers face.

Learn more about Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Teen Driving.

Safe Communities America, as an Affiliate Safe Communities Support Center, helps communities apply for the International Safe Community designation. The International Safe Community designation recognizes communities that come together to promote safe and healthy behaviors that protect people from hurt and harm in all aspects of their lives.

Learn more about how your community can receive the International Safe Community designation.