Utah launches major radon testing effort led by experts, cancer survivors [Video]

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

In Utah, 1 in 3 homes has a high level of radioactive radon, a cancer-causing, naturally occurring gas that rises from the ground and into buildings. According to Dr. Wallace Akerley, a medical oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

This month, a consortium of radon-induced lung cancer survivors, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the University of Utah’s Radon Lab, Akerley, radon professionals and UtahRadon.org are hoping to spread awareness about radon-induced lung cancer in Utah.

The group of advocates announced a goal for testing during the winter months when radon levels are highest.

“Radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths per year from lung cancer,” Akerley said. “In Utah, we would like to have at least 21,000 people have a radon test performed in their house by …