Mission: To promote radon awareness throughout the state to reduce the prevalence of radon-induced lung cancer in Oregon. The program works to educate the public on the hazards of radon, promotes radon testing and mitigation, and encourages radon-resistant new construction throughout the state.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes about 20,000 deaths from lung cancer annually in the United States. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking and the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Fortunately, the level of radon exposure in homes, schools, and other buildings can be determined through a simple test. Testing for radon is easy, inexpensive, and effective. If elevated levels are detected, proven mitigation techniques can be used to lower the levels.
