The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) began National Radon Action Month with a bang, distributing nearly 2,000 radon testing kits in just the first half of January. This unprecedented demand demonstrates West Virginians’ growing awareness of the dangers of radon exposure and the proactive measures they are implementing to protect their homes and workplaces.
Why Radon Testing Matters
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes as uranium decays naturally in soil, rock, and water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Smokers are ten times more likely to develop lung cancer after being exposed to radon.
A Strong Response from West Virginia Residents
Secretary Arvin Singh, EdD, MBA, MPH, MS, FACHE, expressed his excitement about the record-breaking month: “We are overjoyed with West Virginians’ unprecedented response to National Radon Action Month. This strong interest demonstrates that our residents are committed to identifying and reducing radon exposure in their homes, thereby protecting the health of their families.”
The Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) has increased efforts to meet the high demand. Jason Frame, Director of OEHS, expressed his appreciation for the public’s participation: “We are extremely grateful for the increased public interest in these critical tests to ensure the safety of West Virginians. With an increased supply of testing kits, we are excited to provide even more opportunities for residents to manage their radon risk.
How to Get Your Free Radon Testing Kit
The OEHS Radon Program provides free testing kits to West Virginia residents. To request a kit, call 304-352-5039 or email radon@wv.gov. The program also offers valuable educational resources on radon safety, such as the Public Radon Dashboard, which provides current radon levels across the state.
