By Gloria Linnertz

While attending the National Healthy Homes Conference in Denver, Rick Miklick, Credentialing Coordinator of National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) came to the Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) booth, saw the pictures of the members of CanSAR on the display board–many of whom have died and are now with us in spirit only–and heard the story of CanSAR.  He asked if I would share it with the Journal of Environmental Health.

Among the instrumental creators of CanSAR were AARST members Dallas Jones, Peter Hendrick, Tom Heine, and John Mallon who created a vehicle for individuals who had developed lung cancer after radon gas exposure to impart their stories.  CanSAR began in 2004 with Liz Hoffmann, president, Wisconsin; and a few other members including Sue Michaels, Pennsylvania; Dennie Edwards, Ohio; Julia Harris, Georgia and Ann Cosper, Alabama; who shared their stories through the news media and the CanSAR website.  When the public heard Liz’s story, thousands of people sought radon test kits to test their homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In December 2005, my husband Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer which had traveled to his liver and bones. The oncologist told us that radon gas was a known cause of lung cancer; Joe died without knowing that our home tested over four times the EPA action level.  After a mitigation system was installed in my home, my Illinois licensed mitigator introduced me to Angel Price, NEHA National Radon Proficiency Program Executive Director who shared my determination for radon legislation with Peter Hendrick.  I met with my state representative, Dan Reitz, armed with a notebook filled with research on radon gas and the video, “Radon is Real” produced by AARST.  Educating the Illinois legislators about the danger of radon gas through emails, phone calls, letters and visits consumed became my passion.  Effective language, thanks to Dallas Jones, was developed and resulted in “The Radon Awareness Act which passed unanimously House and Senate with much appreciation going to Cal Murphy and the Midwest AARST chapter for encouragement and support. Lives are being saved in Illinois because of this law; the number of homebuyers testing for radon before taking occupancy has grown from 8% previous to the enactment of the law to up to 40%; and mitigation is happening when the radon levels are elevated.

As individuals with lung cancer logged into the CanSAR website and requested a free radon test kit, I made contact; and if their radon levels were elevated, their personal stories were submitted and posted on the CanSAR website.  Names for potential CanSAR members have come from newspaper articles, TV segments and radon professionals.  Our group has grown from the original five or six members to 25 individuals who have shared their stories so others may not have the same experiences.

On January 26, 2010, the newly formed non-profit (501 c3) Cancer Survivors Against Radon was incorporated.  Our members are active with presentations to community organizations, church groups, college classes and health fairs; other endeavors include runs/walks, TV and radio interviews, public service announcements, and American Lung Association activities. Testimony given by our members at hearings on radon bills has influenced radon laws in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon and Kansas.

 “Capital Steps to Radon Action” is an annual event on the fourth Wednesday of January (National Radon Action Month) enabling supporters (wearing Reduce Radon t-shirts) to assemble on the capitol steps in their state to educate others on the danger of living and working with high levels of radon gas.  To become involved in your state and initiate a group in your state, contact Gloria@cansar.org.

We never stop spreading the message that radon gas is the leading environmental cause of cancer mortality; radon gas accounts for up to 14% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. according to the World Health Organization.  Very few people are aware that over 21,000 individuals die annually from radon-induced lung cancer.  If you go to http://www.cansar.org/about/our-stories/ you will see the many stories of our members who were not aware that radon was present in their homes until lung cancer invaded their bodies. 

 November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month—a little known fact. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed in late stage, and the five-year survival rate of late stage lung cancer diagnosis is only 2-3% according to the American Lung Association.  We need your help and support in educating the public about the very real danger of radon gas.  You can become a supporter at various levels on our website at www.cansar.org.  Remember to test your home, and please become a friend of our facebook page www.facebook.com/radontee.  It is up to us to make the difference and save lives through education and awareness of radon gas.