The Maine Cancer Plan, with subject matter expert contributions from the Maine Radon Program, has included radon in its plan. Radon is included in the discussion of risks of cancer, noting that environmental risks include radon gas in homes.
Strategies are included concerning Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes. Regarding political and policy changes, the plan explains that lawmakers can pass legislation to strengthen existing radon detection and control requirements along with funding needed for repairs to buildings.
In its discussion of radon, the plan states that “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies Maine as Zone 1 defined as a national region having indoor screening levels that are greater than the recommended levels of 4 pCi/L. Maine radon levels are high. Most counties (12) have higher than average levels of indoor radon.”
“Goal 1: Prevention” is to reduce cancer risk through evidence-based strategies. Radon is included in this goal.
Radon objectives in the plan include (1) increasing radon testing and (2) increasing the number of households that will install mitigation systems when test results are high.
Testing strategies include:
• Educate the public, real estate, and health inspectors about radon prevention, testing, mitigation, cancer-related exposures, and existing laws.
• Promote awareness of Maine CDC radon curriculum for schools.
• Promote awareness about the relationship between radon, lung cancer, and smoking.
Mitigation strategies include:
• Educate the public about the importance of using registered radon mitigators.
• Reduce financial barriers to installing radon mitigation systems in buildings that have elevated radon levels.
See the plan at https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/Cancer/ccc/maine_ccc_plan.pdf
United States