This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Radon Action Month continues with a variety of programs aimed at helping people learn about the dangers of this cancer-causing gas.
Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a proclamation urging Utahns to be aware of the risk posed by this odorless, colorless gas, which kills about 20,000 Americans each year, and to take action when needed. In contrast, drunk driving, fires and carbon monoxide combined caused fewer deaths than radon last year.
In addition, three students have been selected for a national contest for their outstanding radon posters. Marissa Funke of South Hills Middle School in Riverton won first place for her poster, "Don't Wait Till It's Too Late!," while Jessica Edmondson of Taylor Elementary School in Payson received second place honors for her poster, "Fighting Radon," and Alisha Kirkland of Provost Elementary, Provo, took third place for her poster, "What is Radon?"
The winning poster has been entered in the national contest.
On Jan. 26, Cancer Survivors Against Radon will meet at noon on the Utah Capitol steps to speak out on the issue.
And the state Division of Radiation Control still has $6 radon test kits available. They can be ordered by phone (800-324-5928 ext. 22) or online at http://www.radon.utah.gov.
Meanwhile, radiation officials reported last week that 820 radon tests were conducted during from October through December 2010. The tests prompted mitigation systems to be installed at 136 locations, plus radon-resistant new construction was used at 43 homes and business.