Pennsylvania Families With Newborns Get Free Radon Test Kits

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, January 6, 2006 (ENS) - The government of Pennsylvania offering more families free radon test kits to help them protect themselves and their children from the country's second leading cause of lung cancer.

Governor Edward Rendell, a Democrat, said Thursday that 19 new hospitals have agreed to join the 50 hospitals already participating in the state's Newborn Radon Program.

.

“This program can give new parents peace of mind,” Rendell said. “The Newborn Radon Program not only teaches parents about radon, it gives them the opportunity to get a free radon testing kit.”

“We are getting vital information into the hands of parents so they can take action to protect their families against radon in their home,” Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty said at a news conference in the maternity center of Harrisburg Hospital, one of the 19 new participants.

“Radon test kits typically cost about $25, but by giving new parents the opportunity to get free test kits, more Pennsylvanians will test their homes and take action to reduce radon levels, if needed, to keep their families safe,” McGinty said.

DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty (left) shows a radon test kit to Steve and Nansi Armstrong of Steelton, Pennsylvania, during a news conference at Harrisburg Hospital Thursday. Mom is holding Xavier, born January 4, and Dad is holding Travis, age 2. Steve, age 5, is not pictured. (Photo courtesy DEP)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 22,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer caused by exposure to high levels of radon, second only to lung cancer deaths related to cigarette smoking. Twelve percent of all lung cancer deaths in the United states are linked to radon.

The Radon Division of the state Department of Environmental Protection has been working with hospitals throughout the state to implement the Newborn Radon Program for 12 years. Participating hospitals provide a radon booklet, which contains a certificate for a free radon test kit, as part of the information new parents receive before they leave the hospital.

Of those families that have submitted the free test kit certificate, 39 percent have returned the kits to determine radon levels in their homes.

“PinnacleHealth is pleased and proud to participate in Pennsylvania’s Newborn Radon Program,” said Cheryl Key, vice president of nursing professional development and practice at PinnacleHealth System, which owns Harrisburg Hospital. “By providing this important safety information to new parents, we foster an awareness of this issue and help educate adults to keep their families healthy and safe.”

DEP launched an outreach initiative last fall to get more hospitals involved in the program and enhance the state’s national leadership on radon protection. Alabama, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and Utah all have asked for information on Pennsylvania’s program.

The Utah Radon Program duplicated Pennsylvania’s effort last year and won a statewide public service award for its work.

“The Newborn Radon Program has more people testing their homes for radon,” McGinty said. “That means more people are taking action to reduce high radon levels, and that saves lives.”

Residents who don’t qualify for the Newborn Radon Program can buy test kits in stores.

Radon gas can come up through the soil under a home or building and enter through gaps and cracks in the foundation or insulation, as well as through pipes, drains, walls or other openings, according to the American Lung Association.

Radon problems have been found in every state. The EPA estimates that nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States has indoor radon levels at or above the level at which homeowners should take action - four picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) on a yearly average. Radon can be a problem in schools and workplaces, too.

Exposure to radon in combination with cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. That means for smokers, exposure to radon is an even greater health risk.

For more information on radon and a list of certified testers and remediators, visit: www.depweb.state.pa.us, or call 1-800-23 RADON.