Understanding Radon Risks and Consumer Protections
Consumer protection laws for radon are complex and vary tremendously from state to state. Radon, as a household exposure, has only been known about since the early 1980s. The first national recognition of the dangers of radon exposure came in 1993. The US EPA, the Surgeon General, the CDC, and the WHO all agree that radon is a class A carcinogen and that exposure should be limited. Mandating household radon limits is not something many jurisdictions do. Ultimately it is up to you and your family to test often and protect yourself against radon exposure. The EPA offers great guidance recommending: every home in America be tested at least once every five years, and that homes with radon systems should be tested biannually (to ensure proper system function).
The Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST) has built a great site that lists quick facts about consumer risk and protections on a state by state level.
Why Isn’t Radon More Regulated?
Many consumers are incredulous when they see how little consumer protection is given to them by their local state or municipality. They think, “if radon is such a big danger, then why isn’t every home protected?”. After nearly a decade in the industry, I think I can explain why. First, radon is a relatively newer phenomenon (as it relates to general awareness). Unlike lead or asbestos, radon risk has only been known in homes since the mid 80s. On that same timeline, we’re closer to the 1960s asbestos protections that we are to the present day. Keeping with this analogy: lead and asbestos, two household contaminants, were often deliberately put into the home ecosystem by businesses that knew the consumer risk but plowed forward for the sake of profits. This has led to some of the largest class action lawsuits in the history of US environmental and consumer protection law. Lawsuits mean more money for awareness campaigns.
Uranium is one of the most plentiful elements on planet earth, and it arrives in your home naturally. No builder or contractor is putting it there to line their pockets with cash. Despite what some believe, the radon industry is very small and has very little money for awareness campaigns. The radon political action committee works with only six figures of monies each year—a small amount for a problem as large as household radon exposure.
Are you a radon contractor frustrated with the lack of professionalism in your market?
Join IEA today and become part of the solution! IEA has chapters across the US dedicated to radon awareness and consumer protection lobbying efforts.