Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
CDC Radon Radon Toolkit for Public Health Professionals

Customize Matte Article

Audience: Local newspapers, websites, and other media outlets that reach a general audience.

Purpose and use: Matte articles are prewritten articles for newspapers, newsletters, and other media outlets. They’re a great way to raise awareness with a large consumer audience.

Format: Microsoft Word

Tip: Work with your communications department to get this matte article published in a local media outlet. Emphasize that it has cleared, up-to-date guidance that comes right from CDC.

Customization options

You can customize all, some, or none of these options. If you choose not to customize at all, you can download the material as is with CDC branding.

Tip: Make sure to share this matte article with your communications department in early December — ahead of the holiday rush. Have it ready to go out in early January at the latest.

Download customized matte article


Download without customizing

letterhead

Title:
Subtitle:
Audience: General population

Image showing radon rising through house. Title: Protect Your Family from Radon. Text: Radon is in the ground naturally. But sometimes it gets into homes through cracks in the floors or walls

You may already know that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. But do you know what’s number two?

The answer is radon, an invisible, radioactive gas—and if you didn’t know, you’re not alone.

"Radon is a serious public health problem and a lot of people don’t know about it," says Robert Whitcomb, PhD, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. 1

But many of the people living in those homes don’t have any idea, Whitcomb says. That’s not surprising, because unlike tobacco smoke, radon isn’t something you can see. You can’t smell or taste it either.

"Testing your home for radon gas is the only way to know if it’s a risk," says Whitcomb. "The good news is that it’s very easy to do."

Did You Know?

  • High radon levels can be a risk anywhere in any state. Both old homes and new homes can have radon problems.
  • The risks from radon depend on two things:
    • How much: High radon levels are more dangerous.
    • How long: The more contact you have with radon gas, the greater your risk.
  • Testing your home is the only way to find out if you have a radon problem.
  • The U.S. Surgeon recommends that all homes be tested for radon gas.

Invisible Invader

Radon gas forms naturally in the ground. Most radon mixes harmlessly with outdoor air, and we all breathe in low levels everyday, Whitcomb says.

The problem is when radon from underground seeps into a home through cracks and gaps in the foundation and gets trapped inside. Breathing indoor air with high radon levels can — over time — damage the lungs and lead to cancer.

Image saying that 1 out of 15 homes have high radon levels. Text: Radon is a gas that you can't see, smell, or taste -- but it can be dangerous. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Why You Need to Test Your Home

Radon can really be a problem anywhere, Whitcomb says. It can be a risk in small homes and big homes, old homes and new homes.

"You can even have two almost identical houses right next to one another," says Whitcomb. "One will have low radon levels while the other is very high. That’s why everyone needs to test."

You can buy a testing kit online or at your local hardware store for just $10 to $20. You can also order one from the National Radon Program Services website or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).

Fixing Radon Problems

"If you find out that you have high radon levels, it can be scary," says Whitcomb. "But addressing the issue is often simpler than homeowners expect."

The key is to work with an expert who can help guide you, Whitcomb says.

1

Top