Maryland awarded grant for indoor radon education

The Maryland Department of Environment has been awarded a $46,949 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the state's new indoor radon education program, the EPA said.

"With nearly one in 15 homes affected by elevated levels of radon and thousands dying each year from radon-induced cancer, it’s time for everyone to test their homes," Shawn Garvin, EPA Mid-Atlantic regional administrator, said in a news release.

"By testing as many homes as possible this January, we will help make our communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play," Garvin said.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will use the funding to work with local health departments to boost radon radon education, testing and mitigation for homes, schools and other buildings, EPA said.

The EPA said it is making a concentrated effort to encourage people to test their homes for radon in January, which is National Radon Action Month, since winter is an ideal time to conduct a home test because radon can buildup to unhealthy levels during colder weather when windows and doors are kept closed.

Radon kits are easy to use, cost around $20, and can be purchased at home improvement retailers, hardware stores, and online, the EPA said.