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�

��THE SILENT RISK AT HOME:

Understanding Radon

Workshop and Panel Discussion��Presented by the Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition, in partnership with the American Lung Association, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, and the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center's End Lung Cancer Now initiative.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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Moderator:

Rachel Sanford, MSW, LCSW, CTTS�Health Promotions Manager - American Lung Association in Missouri��Panelists:�Kyle Davis, Certified Radon Measurement Professional and Certified Radon Mitigation Specialist�Protect Environmental - Littleton�

Dr. Kevin Everett, PhD�University of Missouri School of Medicine

�Heidi Nafman Onda, MS, CPT �White Ribbon Project

Misty Phillips, MBA, MSW

University of Missouri School of Medicine

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

INTRODUCTIONS

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What is Radon? ��Lung Cancer Facts��How Radon Causes Lung Cancer�

Testing For Radon & Radon Levels

�Panelist Discussion�

State Information��Question & Answer Session

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

AGENDA

January is National Radon Action Month

The aim of National Radon Action Month is to:

Increase public awareness of radon
Promote radon testing and mitigation
Advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices

We encourage everyone to “take action” and learn the facts about radon.

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Radon is a radioactive Class-A carcinogen meaning there is enough data to conclude that it can cause cancer.

Radon is colorless, tasteless, and odorless.

When inhaled, radon particles become trapped in your lungs.

Over time, the particles breakdown and damage the lung tissue and alter the DNA of the cells.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people without a smoking history and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

WHAT IS RADON?

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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WHAT IS RADON?

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the byproduct of the radioactive decay of uranium found in rocks and soils throughout the world.

As it escapes from the ground, it is emitted into the air.

It enters new and old homes through cracks and openings in floors and walls and can accumulate to dangerously high levels.

An individual’s probability or risk of lung cancer is based on how high the level of radon to which they are exposed and the duration of the exposure.

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RADON & LUNG CANCER

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Radon is so dangerous that the Surgeon General issued a warning, similar to the warning label placed on cigarettes.

Similarly, the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the Indoor Environments Association (formerly American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists - AARST), the Environmental Protection Agency, World Health Organization, and other experts in health advise that elevated radon should be lowered.

While most Americans are generally aware of the danger cigarettes pose, they are unaware of the deadly link between radon and lung cancer.

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What is a Dangerous Level of Radon?

RADON RESULTS

Radon gas is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.

4.0 pCi/L

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon if the result is 4.0 pCi/L or greater and to consider similar actions when the radon level is between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

2.7 pCi/L: �The World Health Organization recommended action level

Below 2.7 pCi/L

Considered good

0.4 pCi/L�The average outdoor air

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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LUNG CANCER STATISTICS

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., claiming nearly as many lives every year as breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers combined.¹�
In 2026, it is estimated that in the U.S. there will be 229,410 new cases diagnosed and 124,990 people will die from lung cancer.²�
Overall, the chance of a person developing lung cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 19. ^2�
20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.³�
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, surpassing breast cancer in 1987. Approximately 1 in 5 women diagnosed with lung cancer do not have a smoking history.⁴

¹NCI SEER Cancer Stats; ² American Cancer Society;³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;⁴ Lung Cancer Foundation of America

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LUNG CANCER STATISTICS

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises that adults aged 50-80 who:

Have smoked for at least 20 pack-years

AND

Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years should get an annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan.

Talk to your doctor to see if this screening is right for you.

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RADON & LUNG CANCER

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

A radon level of 4.0 pCi/L (the EPA recommended mitigation level) is comparable to smoking 8 cigarettes a day or receiving 100x-rays / year.�
A radon level of 10.0 pCi/L is comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or receiving 500 x-rays per year. �
Radon exposure coupled with smoking increases the risk of developing lung cancer tenfold. �
Radon levels as high as 285 have been recorded in Missouri, which is equivalent to smoking over 40 packs of cigarettes per day.

Unlike guidelines for smoking history and lung cancer screening, guidelines for radon exposure and lung cancer screening do not currently exist.
Our teams work to advocate for lung cancer screening guidelines to be updated to include radon, secondhand smoke, occupational exposure to smoke and chemicals/fumes, but we have a great deal of work that needs to be done to ensure these are included.
If you are exposed to radon and do not meet the screening eligibility criteria, but are concerned about your exposure, we recommend discussing this with your healthcare provider and detailing the level and duration of exposure to determine if a low-dose CT scan should be completed.
While insurance does not currently cover lung cancer screening for radon exposure, screening may still be able to be ordered by your healthcare provider.

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COLORADO RADON REPORT CARD�

1 in 2 homes in Colorado have elevated radon levels.

In Colorado, there are over 2,300 new lung cancer cases every year with an estimated 500 lung cancer cases attributed to radon.

Colorado has been working over the last several years to implement policies to reduce radon exposure and require professional training and certification.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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INDIANA RADON REPORT CARD

1 in 3 homes in Indiana have elevated radon levels.

In Indiana, there are over 5,000 new lung cancer cases every year with an estimated 1,000 lung cancer cases attributed to radon.

Indiana also has strong radon policies requiring professional training and certification, homebuyer protection and school testing.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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1 in 3 homes in Missouri have elevated radon levels.

In Missouri there are over 5,400 lung cancer cases annually with an estimated 850 lung cancer cases attributed to radon.

Missouri does not currently have any statewide radon policies that protect residents from radon exposure or require professional training and certification.

MISSOURI RADON REPORT CARD

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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RADON TESTING

Radon can impact anyone.

The age, location, exterior type, and foundation do not determine if a building has radon.

The only way to know is to test. Testing is recommended every 2 years because radon levels can fluctuate.

Elevated radon causes no symptoms until lung cancer symptoms begin.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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RADON TESTING

Testing Options:

Hire a certified radon professional. The average cost of a professional radon test is $140 - $200.
Purchase a radon test kit.
State radon programs may have free test kits available to residents.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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RADON TESTING

Testing Types

Passive vs. Active
Short-term vs. Long-term

Know where and how to test.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

How can radon be detected?

The only way to detect a buildup of radon in your home is to test the air. Various forms of do-it-yourself test kits and digital detectors are simple to use and inexpensive.
If you prefer, you can also hire a certified radon-testing professional. The best way to find a certified professional is to contact your state radon program. The EPA has an interactive map with contact information for state radon agencies.

Types of tests:

Passive test devices do not require power to function, while active test devices do. Passive devices include alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Active test devices include continuous monitors.
Short-term tests typically take two to seven days but can sometimes take a few weeks for results.
Long-term tests tend to be more accurate as they collect more data. They take at least three months and measure long-term averages. If you don't want to wait for a long-term test, short-term tests can indicate if your home has a problem and requires follow-up testing.

Where and how to test:

During this time, place the kit in a location where it will not be disturbed, in the lowest level regularly used in your home. Follow the test directions and other official guidance to prevent problems that can affect the testing.
Digital detectors can be purchased for your home and can provide short-term readings and establish an average for the long term.
Testing anytime during the year is fine, but testing during winter months will yield the most accurate tests since your home is closed up and windows are not kept open allowing outside air to interfere with results.

Knowing where and how to test is key when it comes to radon. Do it yourself testing can be tricky, so the graphic here highlights some best practices for using radon test kits. (cover tips on graphic) If your do-it-yourself test kit shows elevated levels of radon, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to do testing to confirm the level.

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How Do I Protect Myself From Radon?�

Install mitigation systems into existing homes and buildings with elevated radon levels.��Build new homes and buildings that utilize radon-resistant features.

Test your home every 2 years.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

RADON MITIGATION

If you have an existing home with elevated levels of radon, you can fix the problem by having a radon mitigation system installed. A radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and the proper sealing of cracks. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home. If you need to have a radon mitigation system installed, it is best to contact a certified radon mitigation professional to do the installation. A list of certified professionals can be obtained by contacting your state radon program.
Even with a mitigation system installed, radon testing needs to occur every 2 years.
If you purchase a continuous monitoring system, please note that there is not enough data for the national radon program to verify the effectiveness of these devices. Always make sure to purchase a quality device from a reputable company, not the cheapest device available on Amazon. Continuous monitoring system results need to be verified by a professional or lab testing at the same 2 year frequency. These monitoring systems, like smoke detectors or CO monitors, have a lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. These devices need to be used as instructed--for example, they need to be placed in one location and not moved throughout the home. Moving the device will create unreliable results due to averaging tests from different rooms.
Mitigation systems need to have regular maintenance like the other systems in your home (HVAC for example).
Radon mitigation systems work and can help prevent lung cancer.

If you are building a new home, ask your contractor to install radon-resistant features. These features include gravel and plastic sheeting below the foundation, along with proper sealing of cracks and the installation of a vent pipe. Once the radon-resistant features have been installed and the home is completely built, make sure to perform a radon test, as the levels could still be elevated. If the radon levels are still elevated, a radon fan should be added to the system to lower the radon level.

Please feel free to put any questions you have in the chat. We’ll move onto our panel portion of the webinar now and all questions will be addressed during the Q&A portion at the end of today’s program.

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PANELIST

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Kyle Davis

Operations Manager, Protect Environmental-Littleton

Certified Radon Measurement Professional

Certified Radon Mitigation Specialist

Certified in Radon Resistant New Construction

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PANELISTS

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Dr. Kevin Everett, PhD

Associate Director for Prevention, Control, Outreach, and Engagement - Ellis Fischel Cancer Center

Research Director of Family and Community Medicine Professor

Margaret Proctor Mulligan Faculty Scholar in Medical Research

University of Missouri School of Medicine

Misty Phillips, MBA, MSW

Manager of Research Activities

Family and Community Medicine

University of Missouri School of Medicine

Our next panelists are Dr. Kevin Everett and Misty Phillips.

Dr. Kevin Everett, PhD, is Associate Director for Prevention, Control, Outreach, and Engagement at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and Research Director of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. He has over 25 years of experience leading tobacco control and cancer prevention initiatives, with a focus on youth prevention, cessation, and community-based interventions across Missouri.

Misty Phillips, MSW, MBA, is Manager of Research Activities in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. She has more than 20 years of experience in public health and cancer prevention and currently serves in leadership roles with the Missouri Cancer Consortium advancing cancer prevention initiatives statewide while pursuing a PhD in Population and Precision Health.

Thank you, Dr. Everett and Misty, for joining us this afternoon.

QUESTIONS:

Can you talk more about the lung cancer risk for tobacco use and radon exposure combined? (not just double the risk--get exact number) (synergistic effect)
What are the eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening?
What percentage/number of people are eligible for lung cancer screening and how many of those are actually being screened?
What if someone is concerned about their lung cancer risk but doesn’t meeting the eligibility criteria for screening?
Why should lung cancer survivors be concerned with testing their homes for radon?

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PANELIST

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

Heidi Nafman-Onda, MS, CPT

Co-founder, The White Ribbon Project

Director, The White Ribbon Project Board of Directors

Stage 3A Lung Cancer Survivor

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Heidi was diagnosed with inoperable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer

in October 2018.

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October 2018

Hope-prevention, early detection, and better treatment options. Research matters!

October 2025

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COLORADO RADON PROGRAM

Colorado Radon Program Website

www.ColoradoRadon.info

Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance (LIRMA) Program Website

cdphe.colorado.gov/hm/low-income-radon-mitigation-assistance

LIRMA Program Email

cdphe_hmd_lirma@state.co.us

Colorado Radon Dashboard

coepht.colorado.gov/radon-data

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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INDIANA RADON PROGRAM

Indiana Radon Program Website

https://www.in.gov/health/leadsafe/information-for-homeowners/

Indiana Radon Hotline

1-800-272-9723

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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MISSOURI RADON PROGRAM

Missouri Radon Program Website

www.health.mo.gov/radon

Missouri Radon Dashboard

www.health.mo.gov/radondata

Radon Program Email

Radon@health.mo.gov

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

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Take Action!

Testing is the only way to know if your

home has elevated levels of radon.

Missouri Lung Cancer Coalition January 21, 2026

COLORADO RESIDENTS

MISSOURI RESIDENTS

INDIANA RESIDENTS

OTHER STATES

It’s time to take action and have your home tested for radon.

There are free test kit programs for residents in Colorado and Missouri, as well as discounted test kits for residents in Indiana. Scan the QR code for your state to be directed to the test kit form. We will also post the links in the chat. For participants in other states, there are test kits available for purchase through AlphaEnergy Labs and the American Lung Association that may be discounted or free. You can also purchase a test kit from other retailers or have your home tested by a certified professional as mentioned earlier in the program.

[Through State Indoor Radon Grant programs, the American Lung Association is distributing free radon test kits in the states of Iowa, Indiana and Pennsylvania, while supplies last. We also offer affordable radon test kits ($18) through our web-store at Lung.org/radon-test (Indiana and Illinois residents receive a $5 discount while supplies last).]

POST LINKS:

Colorado free test kit: states.aelabs.com/#/co

ALA test kits (some free/discounted, includes Indiana--select counties are free and the rest are discounted by $5): https://action.lung.org/site/Ecommerce/70073963?store_id=34304

Missouri free test kit: states.aelabs.com/#/mo

Other states (AE Labs general): states.aelabs.com/#/

Where to find a certified professional in your state: https://nrpp.info/pro-search/ and https://www.nrsb.org/find-a-pro/

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THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

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Q&A

Questions?