WHEREAS, radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally-occurring radioactive gas that, over prolonged periods, can present a significant health risk to individuals across North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, responsible for more than 21,000 deaths each year in the United States; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, based on data collected by the Radiation Protection Section within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), radon is present at elevated levels in approximately 7 percent of homes; and
WHEREAS, data from the North Carolina DHHS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey shows that historically marginalized populations, people with lower incomes, and those who rent homes are less likely to know about radon gas; and
WHEREAS, it is important to educate all North Carolina residents on the available measures to reduce radon risks, to test and mitigate their homes for radon levels, and to visit www.radon.ncdhhs.gov for additional radon action information;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim January, 2023, as “NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.