Wisconsin soon may have a new tool for reducing lung cancer risk, and your input can help make it happen.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) has proposed a new rule that would require radon testing and remediation in all state-licensed child care centers. DCF is asking for public comments on the proposed rule change by Jan. 5, 2022.
Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas found in the ground underneath homes and buildings. Prolonged exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked, and the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall. Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Wisconsin.
Much of Wisconsin is at high risk of radon exposure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health Services. Currently, no state law or regulation requires radon testing in homes, schools, or other buildings.
If approved, the DCF rule change would be the first requirement of any kind for radon testing and remediation in Wisconsin. It would require regular radon testing in all licensed child care centers, as well as remediation for any radon levels above the EPA’s safety limit.
You can share input on the proposed rule change in writing by Jan. 5, or at a public hearing via Zoom scheduled for 1 pm on Jan. 5. To learn more, see below!
| Read the proposed language: “Require Centers to be tested for radon. A center licensed prior to the effective date of the rule will be required to test for radon within 6 months after the effective date of rule. A center licensed after the effective date of the rule will be required to test for radon prior to caring for children. After the initial tests, residential settings will be required to test for radon every 2 years and commercial centers required to test for radon every 5 years. If radon levels are higher than determined safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, installation of a remediation system is required within one year after the date of the test results.” | Submit a comment: -Comment by email -Comment online –Deadline: Jan. 5, 2022 Attend the public hearing: -1 pm, Jan. 5, 2022 –Zoom link -Meeting ID: 838 8654 7961 -Passcode: 187866 -To access the meeting by phone, call 1 (312) 626-6799 or 1 (651) 372-8299. |
| Radon at a glance: Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for people who have never smoked, and the second leading cause of lung cancer among people who have a smoking history. No level of radon is considered safe. The EPA recommends regular testing for all homes and buildings. Radon exposure can be especially harmful to children, because their lungs are still developing and they breathe at faster rates than adults. Radon testing and mitigation is a simple and affordable way to reduce lung cancer risk. |  | | Radon resources: Learn more about reducing exposure to radon in the Wisconsin Cancer Plan 2020-2030 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (EPA) Radon Information for Wisconsin (DHS) Find your local Radon Information Center (DHS) Wisconsin Interactive Radon Map (DHS) Radon 101 Video (DHS) Coming soon: Our updated Radon and Cancer Issue Brief |