nram presentation 3
TRANSCRIPT
NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTHRaising Awareness, Reducing Risk, Saving Lives
What is Radon?
Radon• A naturally occurring, radioactive gas released
from rocks, soil, and water• Can accumulate to dangerous levels inside
buildings• We can’t see, smell, or taste radon• Can be a problem in any home, school, or
building across the country
What is the problem?
• Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers
• Radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States
What is the solution?
• Test your home or building for radon– It’s the only way to know if you have a radon
problem
• You can fix a radon problem– Most homes can be fixed for about the same
cost as other common home repairs
How can you help?
• Raise Radon Awareness! Get the message out about the dangers of radon
year-round Conduct special activities and events in January
during National Radon Action Month Go to www.epa.gov/radon/nram to learn how you
can help.
January is National Radon Action MonthWho should participate?
• Individuals, groups, and organizations concerned about lung cancer and public health
What is the goal?
• Increase public awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices
• Ultimately save lives from radon-induced lung cancer
Now is the perfect time to get involved!
Last Year’s National Radon Action Month Results
[Highlight recent National Radon Action Month results of your choice (e.g., at the national or state/local level, or project-specific) to provide context and set the stage for development of goals for the upcoming National Radon Action Month]
How To Get Involved in National Radon Action Month
• Set a goal to reduce radon risk in your community
• Plan activities and events in January– Work with radon partners in your community
• Publicize your activities and recognize your successes
• Collect results from your activities• Share your project ideas, efforts, and results at
www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities.html. • Use National Radon Action Month to kick off a
broader radon awareness campaign in your community
• State radon programs
• Tribal Nations and Pueblos
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Radon testers & mitigators
• Local businesses
• Housing professionals
• Health care professionals
• Human resources, environmental, and safety
officers at work sites
• Advocacy organizations concerned about cancer
• Schools
• Homeowners’associations
• Other community-based groups interested in public health
Engage Different Stakeholders
National Radon Action Month Success Stories
[Choose from success stories on:
www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities
Or
www.epa.gov/radon/nram/archive]
Tools and Resources Available
• National Radon Action Month Web site:
www.epa.gov/radon/nram– Consumer information
• Information for individuals who want to reduce their family’s risk of lung cancer
– Partner information• A downloadable National Radon Action Month
Event Planning Kit• A national map showing the activities and events
you submit• Regular updates about radon outreach• Success stories• Links to additional radon materials and resources
Event Planning Kit
• Available for download from National Radon Action Month Web site
• Resource to help you plan, implement, and evaluate your activities
• Includes many useful templates, tips, and examples– Radon fact sheets– Media outreach tips– Tips for holding a Radon Poster Contest– Sample press release, op-ed, and letter to the
editor– Sample proclamation– And more!
More Resources
• Newsletters– Receive the latest updates in your e-mail
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs)– Free print, radio and television PSAs are
available for you to personally deliver to your local media outlets
• Graphics– Variety of styles so you can customize Web or
print materials
– Available in low- and high-resolution
Sample Timeline: Planning Stage
• Summer – Set Your Goals– Establish a baseline
– Consider how different activities reach different audiences and contribute to radon risk reduction
– Identify ways to track results
• Fall – Plan Your Activities and Events– Choose your activities
– Engage key partners and clarify responsibilities
– Establish your timeline and resources needed
– Explore ways to publicize your activities and events
– Submit a brief description of your activities and events to the National Radon Action Month Web site
Sample Timeline: Implementation
• January– Publicize your activities and events
– Track your results
– Share your success • Submit a brief description of your activities and
events at www.epa.gov/radon/nram/activities.html
Sample Timeline: Evaluation & More
• February - March– Use your tracking data to evaluate the overall
results of your activity
– Share your success with EPA and other radon stakeholders
– Continue working with your community to raise radon awareness
• Promote radon awareness during other special emphasis periods year-round, such as Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) or Children’s Health Month (October)
– Build on your successes for the next National Radon Action Month!
For More Information
See the National Radon Action Month Web site and Event Planning Kit at: www.epa.gov/radon/nram
Contact [provide your name and contact information]
Together we can save lives fromradon-induced lung cancer!