WHEREAS, radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the primary cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer of smokers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and

WHEREAS, the EPA estimates approximately 21,000 people in the U.S. die each year from lung cancer caused by indoor radon exposure; and

WHEREAS, exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure; and

WHEREAS, any home in Nevada may have elevated levels of radon, even if neighboring homes do not, and living in a home with an average radon level of 4 picocuries per liter of air poses a similar risk of developing lung cancer as smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day; and

WHEREAS, organizations across the Silver State, in collaboration with organizations across the country, support efforts to encourage all residents to test their homes for radon, mitigate elevated levels of radon and encourage new homes to be built with radon-reducing materials and features;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim January 2020 as

RADON ACTION MONTH IN NEVADA