Tribal IAQ Resource Directory: Radon

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Overview

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. When inhaled, radioactive particles can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if radon is in your home is to test. EPA recommends that every home is tested for radon. You can either obtain a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a certified radon professional to assess your home for radon gas concentrations. EPA recommends that every home be tested at least every 5 years or, to verify continued effectiveness of radon mitigation systems or efforts, at least every 2 years. If your home has high radon levels, a mitigation system can significantly reduce radon concentrations and generally takes a day or less to install. For more information about how to interpret your test results, consult the EPA Citizen’s Guide or a certified radon professional.

the outside of a house showing a radon mitigation system

Test. Fix. Save a Life.

  • Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground and threatens the health of occupants.
  • Every house in the country has the potential for high levels of radon.
  • Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
  • Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. every year.
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Resources

computer cursor pointing right  EPA’s Radon Website
Provides general information about radon, as well as links to EPA resources developed for individuals and families, homeowners, tenants, builders, and contractors. Publications including a radon activity book for children, and also webinars and videos.
computer cursor pointing right  EPA’s Regional and State Radon Contacts
Map of radon potential including state radon contacts and EPA regional radon contacts. The zone map may help governments and organizations target risk reduction activities and resources. (Please note that homes with high radon levels exist in all parts of the country.)
computer cursor pointing right  National Radon Action Plan
The American Lung Association is leading a national network of federal agencies, private sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), states and Tribes to eliminate avoidable radon-induced lung cancer through the strategies outlined in the NRAP. Visit RadonLeaders.org to see the progress on each strategy outlined in the Plan.
computer cursor pointing right  EPA’s “Learning about Radon - A Part of Nature”
A brief storybook and Tribal outreach material that illustrates how we can protect ourselves and our families from naturally occurring radon gas.

computer cursor pointing right  HUD’s Radon Resources
HUD provides many resources for radon education and training, including specific radon guidance for HUD grantees, public housing authority (PHA) staff, and multifamily property owners and managers. 

computer cursor pointing rightPlanning Radon Mitigation in Tribal Communities Webinar
Webinar recording from the Spokane Tribe focusing on the importance of radon as a Tribal indoor air quality concern and some basics of establishing a Tribal radon program.
computer cursor pointing right  State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program
States and Tribes may apply to receive grant funds from EPA to help support a radon risk reduction program. By law, these funds are not available to individuals or homeowners. More funding opportunities can be found in the Funding section of this directory.
computer cursor pointing right  ITEP’s Radon Fundamentals Course
From the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), this 8-hour course has been developed to provide Tribes with an introduction to the mechanics of radon, examples of how Tribes are addressing radon, and possible funding opportunities.

computer cursor pointing right  CDC’s Radon Resources
Includes quick links to information about radon and drinking water, resources for healthcare providers, and radon testing data. CDC developed a database to track radon test results that can produce various maps showing recent trends in radon testing across the country.

For Kids:

the clean air superheroes defeat radon activity book cover

Meet the Clean Air Superheroes! 

Join Mateo and his friends as they learn about radon indoors and become superheroes defeating it in their homes.  Follow along through fun, comic-book style illustrations and complete interactive activities. Join the adventure!

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Testing and Mitigation Resources

Many states, Tribes, and other organizations offer free radon test kits, particularly during the month of January, which is National Radon Action Month. Search online for existing programs in your area and share these opportunities with your Tribal members where applicable. Otherwise, the following resources may help support Tribal radon testing and mitigation programs.

computer cursor pointing right  National Radon Program Services 
From Kansas State University, National Radon Program Services sells DIY test kits with the price of shipping and lab analysis included.
computer cursor pointing right  Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center 
Offers a loaning program for radon testing equipment. The TAMS center also provides technical training and other air monitoring equipment to help Tribal air programs.
computer cursor pointing right  EPA’s Find a Radon Professional 
These links can help identify certified radon professionals to assist with radon testing and/or mitigation.
a radon technician outside of a home.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Wiggins, Bad River Tribe Radon
Program

Funding Information

For funding resources, see the Funding section of this directory.

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Last updated on April 30, 2026