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California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors

Margaret Henderson — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:32:05 +0000

California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors Margaret Henderson Wed, 06/03/2026 - 21:32

California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors

From an interview with Dale Parks, State Radon Officer, CDHP Indoor Radon Program

In this its first year of the program development, already around 300 libraries have received the digital radon monitors, which is approximately 26% of the 1100 libraries in California. Of those, around 200 are ready to check out monitors to the public. Dale’s goal is to have 600 signed on by the end of May of 2027. Dedicating a significant portion of the state’s SIRG funds to this initiative, 1300 monitors have been purchased and outreach activities begun promoting the initiative.

The idea for a Library Lending Program of Radon Monitors was something Dale credits the Kentucky Radon Program for inspiring. To promote the program, Dale has developed a 20-slide presentation and presented to the monthly Library Directors’ Meeting, with his message reaching 60 to 70 directors three months ago. In total, he has presented to 172 directors over time.

In 2027, the program will operate in full force and in January 2028, Dale will have reporting data to analyze and share, demonstrating the reach and success of the initiative.

To solicit participating, he has sent the following email message to library directors in California.

Subject: Enhancing Community Safety: Free Radon Test Cubes for libraries in California

Dear Library Director,

My name is Dale Parks, and I serve as the State Radon Officer for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Indoor Radon Program. I am reaching out to invite your library system to participate in a statewide initiative to provide residents with free access to digital radon monitors.
We are currently offering

Ecosense EcoBlu radon test cubes
to California public libraries at no cost. These digital devices are ideal for a "Library of Things" collection because they require no calibration, can last for ten years or more, and provide residents with real-time, easy-to-read results. No data is stored and there is no wifi or app usage. You simply plug them in and there is a number given for real time, daily, weekly, and monthly monitoring.

Why Participate?
Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. By lending these monitors, your library can empower residents to identify and mitigate this health risk in their own homes.

Several California libraries have already successfully launched this program, including:
• Lake County Library
(Christopher Veach, Director: 707-263-8816)
• https://www.cityoflakeport.com/news_detail_T14_R737.php
• Alpine County Library
• https://www.mendolibrary.org/borrow/library-of-things/radon-detectors
• Colusa County Free Library
• Del Norte County Library District
• Banning Library District
• https://www.suttercounty.org/government/county-departments/library
•
Resources to Get You Started:
To make integration as seamless as possible, we have provided the following resources:

1. Step-by-Step Guide to using the EcoBlu Radon test cube (attached)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0106/9911/2511/files/How_To_Test_Your_Home_For_Radon_Gas_With_Eco…

2. OCLC record for the test cube monitor (created by Lake County Library - Christopher Veach, County Librarian | Director, 707-263-8816 – he also authored attached press release template)
https://search.worldcat.org/en/title/1527927892

3. Article in Lake County News, 23July2025 – Lake County Library launches free radon detector loan program to promote home safety
https://lakeconews.com/news/community/82186-lake-county-library-launches-free-radon-detector-loan-p…

4. Video about how radon technology works (Radon eco-cube being given to the libraries)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q407wTqCHaA

How to Request Your Devices:
If you are interested in receiving free radon test cubes for your branches, please simply reply to this email with the number of units you would like to request and your shipping address. I can go in person and demonstrate how they work . I am also giving away radon single use charcoal test kits and some magnets promoting Radon testing.

Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of your community. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Sincerely,
Dale Parks
State Radon Officer
CDPH Indoor Radon Program
916-210-8558 Desk
916-925-1111 Cell

Mailing Address
California Department of Public Health
Indoor Radon Program
P.O. Box 997377, MS 7405, IMS K-2
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

Locations

United States

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon

Margaret Henderson — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:27:30 +0000

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon Margaret Henderson Mon, 06/01/2026 - 15:27

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon

Nevada’s recent cancer plan for 2026-2030 focuses on radon exposure as a direct link to cancer and lists goals for reducing radon exposures. Chris Kelly, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension – Radon Education Program, was a contributor to the plan.

The plan notes progress was achieved on the 2021-2025 goal of increasing testing, mitigation and building radon-resistant homes. The Plan for 2026 explains radon risks in a section on Environmental Exposure. Radon levels by county are shown, using data from the NV Radon Education Program.

In the section on Prevention: Goal – Prevent Cancer by Reducing Exposures to Risk Factors, the plan states direct environmental risks include radon.

The section on Prevention: Reduce Radon Exposure includes actions such as:
• Partnering and outreach
• Training
• Expanding testing
• Expanding radon education into broader public health initiatives
• Promoting certification programs
• Collecting and publishing radon data

One target indicator is for homes mitigated. The baseline is 2814 and the target is 3800. Other indicators include number of homes tested and also radon-resistant new construction goals.

See the plan at https://www.nevadacancercoalition.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/NCC_240074_2026%20Cancer%20Plan-D…

Locations

United States

New 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan Includes Radon

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:06:13 +0000

New 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan Includes Radon Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 19:06

Colorado Cancer Coalition’s new 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan has eight goals to reduce cancer risk and improve care statewide. Radon is addressed in Goal 5 - Decrease Environmental Exposures That Lead to Cancer.

The Environmental Exposures section of the plan explains what radon is and that “It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause for people who don’t smoke.” The section encourages testing your home to know if radon is present.

Noting that 54.8 % of adults had tested their home for radon as of 2020, the new plan encourages more testing and mitigating high levels of radon in order to keep Colorado families safe. The Plan notes that “This work includes educating residents, builders, and local leaders about radon risks, supporting safe building practices, and making testing and repair help available, especially for families with fewer resources.”

Environmental factors, such as radon and air quality, continue to affect cancer risk and disproportionately impact certain communities in Colorado. The Plan goes on the explain that “Colorado is a hot spot for radon.” With 81% of Colorado counties falling into the highest-risk category for radon, the plan states that every home in Colorado should be tested, no matter the county or the age of the house.

Objective 5.1 is to “Increase home radon testing.” Steps include:
• Educate Colorado residents and policymakers about the hazards of radon exposure, and the
• importance of radon testing and mitigation using credentialed radon service providers who follow consensus standards of practice.
• Educate builders, code officials, city councils and county commissioners on the hazards of radon exposure and the importance of adopting radon-resistant new construction building codes.
• Support environmental equity through radon education, free radon testing, and the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance directed at under-resourced communities.
• Provide radon education to the medical community, childcare facilities, and schools.

Highlighted in the plan is the Colorado Radon Program:

The Colorado Radon Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) works to reduce the risk of radon-related lung cancer in Colorado. The program focuses on increasing awareness of radon and encouraging radon testing by providing free and low-cost test kits to Colorado households. More than 12,500 free radon test kits were distributed to Colorado residents in early 2025. If elevated radon levels are found in a home, CDPHE’s Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance Program can cover the cost of a radon mitigation system for qualified homeowners, making radon risk reduction accessible to more Coloradans. The mitigation assistance program is unique to Colorado and is not commonly available in other states. The Radon Mitigation Assistance Program also provides grants to support awareness, testing, and mitigation at the community level.

See the plan at https://coloradocancercoalition.org/colorado-cancer-plan/

Locations

United States

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:03:10 +0000

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 16:03

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality

From Eleanor Divver, Utah Radon Coordinator

The second half of this year will be a busy one with several radon activities and initiatives upcoming. A few are:
• The NRAP in-person meeting will be in Washington, D.C. and Eleanor will be attending the third week of June.
• The CRCPD E-25 Committee Radon is meeting in Lansing, Michigan in July.
• The IEA Symposium is in October.
• The Utah Radon Program is preparing for the Radon Poster Contest, which starts in August.

Recently Eleanor I gave a radon webinar to charter and private schools, which was an interesting opportunity for radon outreach. There was a great turnout and many of those schools are now testing for radon and requesting the Program’s testing services.

For more information on any of these topics, contact:

Eleanor Divver | Small Business Assistance | Radon Coordinator
Phone: 801.536.0091
SBEAP.Utah.Gov | Radon.Utah.Gov

Locations

United States

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:02:23 +0000

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 16:02

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

The Wyoming Department of Health Radon Program has made home radon monitors available for check out at participating libraries in the state. The radon monitors provide both a short-term and long-term average radon level readings. An online map shows the libraries that are participating and provides the name, address, telephone number and website.

The announcement includes a link to Advisory from The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. regarding the use of continuous digital radon monitors. See the advisory at https://crcpd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/25-4-Radon-Testing-with-CDRMs.pdf

See the map at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/cancer-and-chronic-disease-prevention-unit/cancer/radon/radonmo…

Locations

United States

Iowa Radon Program Provides Radon Resistant New Construction (RNCC) Information to the Public

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:01:30 +0000

Iowa Radon Program Provides Radon Resistant New Construction (RNCC) Information to the Public Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 14:01

Iowa Radon Program Provides Radon Resistant New Construction (RNCC) Information to the Public

The Iowa Department of Public Health Radon Program notes that some Iowa counties and municipalities have adopted into their building ordinances the requirement for the inclusion of RRNC techniques into new home construction. The Program advises checking with the local building regulatory authority for the specific RRNC requirements for a particular area of the state. The Program also references and links to the International Residential Building Code 2021 (IRC).

The Program has published a map of local jurisdictions that have RNCC requirements. The map identified 8 cities, 10 counties and one tribe. Additional information about RNCC details is provided in What are Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques?

The Iowa Radon Survey has indicated that Iowa has the largest percentage (or 71.6%) of homes above the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 4pCi/L. It is also designated by the US EPA as an entirely zone 1 state, which means that at least 50% of the homes are above US EPA's recommended action level.

Providing RNCC information to the public is an outreach effort designed to encourage RNCC throughout Iowa and reduce exposures to elevated radon levels.

See the map at https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/7915/download?inline

Locations

United States

North Carolina Radon Program’s Successful Partnership with Duke University

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:00:08 +0000

North Carolina Radon Program’s Successful Partnership with Duke University Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 14:00

North Carolina Radon Program’s Successful Partnership with Duke University

The North Carolina Radon Program has partnered with Duke Cancer Institute and Duke University to further the statewide goals of educating the public about radon and its importance to lung health. This partnership has had several successes.

In promoting education about radon-induced lung cancer, a variety of methods to communicate to the public have been used. In a video presentation called “Faith, Hope and Lungevity, a Stage IV lung cancer survivor shared her story.

Duke institutions have been active in conducting research on a variety of aspects of radon-induced lung cancer as well and in promoting patient understanding of radon risks. The publication “Radon Exposure: Using the Spectrum of Prevention Framework to Increase Healthcare Provider Awareness” serves to increase radon awareness and address opportunities for providers to work toward various objectives to reduce radon exposure. This article encourages nurses to advocate that patients have their homes tested for radon. The article’s co-author is Philip Gibson of the North Carolina Radon Program. See the article at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27857251/

The successes of the North Carolina Radon Program partnership with Duke institutions has resulted in raised awareness and understanding of radon risks in the public at large.

Locations

United States

Iowa Legislation Relating to Radon Mitigation in Residential Buildings Signed by the Governor

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:57:46 +0000

Iowa Legislation Relating to Radon Mitigation in Residential Buildings Signed by the Governor Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:57

Iowa Legislation Relating to Radon Mitigation in Residential Buildings Signed by the Governor

Iowa House File 2297, an Act relating to radon mitigation in residential buildings, was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 19, 2026.

The Act specifies that provisions of the state building code relating to radon mitigation requirements shall be applicable to all new single-family and two-family residential construction in this state.

The Radon Mitigation Requirements are as follows:

The commissioner shall adopt as part of the state building code a requirement that new single-family or two-family residential construction must include a passive method for the mitigation of radon listed in appendix AF of the international residential code, 2021 edition, published by the International Code Council. The requirement shall only apply to single-family or two-family residential construction commenced after the adoption of the requirement.

The bill passed the House with 81 yeas and 3 nays, the House having concurred in a Senate amendment.

To see the bill, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF2297&ga=91

Iowa (House File 2297): Signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds, this legislation mandates that all newly constructed single- and two-family residences must include passive radon mitigation systems. Aimed at lowering the state's severe lung cancer risks, it takes effect July 1 and requires enforcement by local governments.

Locations

United States

Nevada Radon Program Provides Continuing Education for Realtors Regarding Radon

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:43:22 +0000

Nevada Radon Program Provides Continuing Education for Realtors Regarding Radon Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/19/2026 - 11:43

Nevada Radon Program Provides Continuing Education for Realtors Regarding Radon

The University of Nevada Reno is providing a radon educational opportunity for realtors. This instruction is part of the Radon Program's outreach and education efforts.

The course "Radon Education for Realtors" will be presented June 2, 2026 and will instruct realtors on what they should know about radon.

Details are given in the following announcement.

Radon Education for Realtors
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
11 am to 2 am
INCLINE VILLAGE BOARD OF REALTORS

ABOUT THIS EVENT
What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About the Dangers of Radon Gas. 3-credits for continuing education, post-licensing.

Additional information
Attendance type: In person
Cost: Free
Event type: Professional Development

LOCATION
Incline Village Board of Realtors
940 Southwood Blvd, #103, Incline, Village, NV 89451

Announcement at at https://events.unr.edu/event/radon-education-for-realtors-240

Locations

United States

Oregon’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Calls for 2026 Task Force to Address Radon-induced Lung Cancer

Margaret Henderson — Sat, 02 May 2026 21:25:41 +0000

Oregon’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Calls for 2026 Task Force to Address Radon-induced Lung Cancer Margaret Henderson Sat, 05/02/2026 - 17:25

Oregon’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Calls for 2026 Task Force to Address Radon-induced Lung Cancer

Oregon’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan 2025 has takeaways for Lung and Bronchus Cancer attributing approximately 14% of lung cancers to radon. The explanation of risk factors includes that in Oregon, the lowest testing rates are in rural areas.

Plan goals of the Plan include increasing awareness to radon and radon testing and increase testing rates throughout the state with a focus on rural areas.

The Plan lists subject matter experts at the Radon Awareness Program of the Oregon Health Authority and the Program as a contributor to the Plan.

In 2026, Task Forces will be directed to address the focus area of Lung Cancer, including radon-induced, and to identify strategies and objectives.

The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division co-led the development of this document.
See the Plan at https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-12/cancercontrolplanreport_r6_accessible_digital.pdf

Locations

United States