Gov. Cooper joins national radon awareness campaign

North Carolina is taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness about the potential health effects of radon. 

Governor Roy Cooper has designated January as Radon Action Month in North Carolina. Cooper and state health officials are putting a spotlight on how to reduce the risk of lung cancer from exposure to the odorless and colorless gas.

According to a news release, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. That risk rises exponentially for current or former smokers who are exposed to unsafe levels of radon.

About 450 people die in North Carolina each year from radon-induced lung cancer, but many residents are unaware that their homes need to be tested. And survey data reflects a need to increase awareness among renters, low-income residents, and Black and Hispanic communities.

Officials note that conditions leading to high indoor radon levels are preventable and fixable.