HUD's Resistance To Radon Safety


HUD's Resistance To Radon Safety The American Radon Policy Coalition Calls For
Action ! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUD 24 CFR 50 – Rule Revisions The American Radon Policy Coalition is
comprised of members representing the American Association of Radon Scientists
and Technologists, the American Lung Association, the American Association of
Home Inspectors, proficiency programs, educators, physicians and individuals
who have come together to improve radon policy and advocate for effective radon
action in the United States and elsewhere

Residential radon exposure causes at least 22,000 lung cancer deaths annually.
This means that 60 people a day die from this natural form of radioactivity

These figures do not include exposure due to workplace, schools, or large buildings,
or from water-borne sources

Enabling legislation: The 1985 Radon Abatement Act and the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA)

Radon is a radioactive gas that can be easily detected and inexpensively mitigated.
The latest scientific data indicates that even low levels or exposure are dangerous

HUD requires radon testing for certain homes and buildings, however, the relevant
CFR does not require ‘Entities Assuming HUD Responsibilities’ to
include radon in their environmental review protocols and procedures

Our position: HUD must come into compliance with their own standards, as well
as with EPA goals as mandated by Congress and required by NEPA, to make radon
testing and mitigation mandatory in all of their policies and procedures. Federal
agencies have an obligation under NEPA to act in concert and uniformity in protecting
public health and safety

Radon is an un-mandated program within the EPA. Since 1985, only a handful of
states have initiated strong regulations regarding radon – despite this
form of naturally occurring radioactivity being found throughout the United
States – AARST estimates 10 Million Homes in America exceed the safety
standard and this risk exposure is growing by 75,000 home per year as new homes
are built

The annual mortality rate of 22,000 deaths translates into a serious environmental
justice issue, especially when initial cost is the sole consideration of inaction

Radon Tax Credit Legislation (a potential incentive tool to increase the number
of homes tested) did not get out of committee in the last Congress

Free Market Solution: The answer does not require major program funding; instead,
incentives, free market enterprise and regulatory compliance are the answer
to this environmental problem.

Contact: Peter Hendrick director@aarst.org American Radon Policy Coalition AARST
Executive Director 14 Pratt Road Alstead, NH 03602 603-756-9259