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RADON ACTION MONTH RESOLUTION WHEREAS, radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that threatens the health of our citizens; and WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon causes more than 20,000 deaths each year, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United State and the number one cause among non-smokers; and WHEREAS, a national health advisory was issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2005 because breathing indoor radon over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk; and WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one in 15 homes across the country has an elevated radon level; and WHEREAS, in North Carolina, based on data collected by the Radiation Protection Section in the Division of Health Service Regulation, radon is present at elevated levels in about seven percent of homes; and WHEREAS, indoor elevated levels of radon is a preventable and correctable problem; and WHEREAS, testing for radon is simple and inexpensive, ranging from $6 to $30 for do-it-yourself tests with costs of repairs by a professional to reduce the radon level ranging from $1,500 to approximately $2,500; and WHEREAS, the State’s Radon Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are encouraging Americans to test their homes for radon, mitigate elevated levels of radon, and build new homes with radon-resistant materials and features; NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Health, do hereby recognize January 2016 as “RADON ACTION MONTH” in Orange County, North Carolina and urge our citizens and interested groups to promote awareness of the hazards of radon exposure, encourage citizens to test and mitigate their homes for radon levels and visit www.ncradon.org for additional radon information