Kansas State Gets $175K to Tackle Air Quality—And You Should Care

Photo byWeichao DengonUnsplash

Funding supports national radon hotline, public education, and mitigation efforts to combat lung cancer risks.*

LENEXA, Kan. – Kansas State University has secured $175,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to operate a national radon hotline and expand public access to affordable radon testing kits, the EPA announced on October 18, 2024. This grant is part of a broader $1 million EPA initiative to address radon, asthma, and indoor air quality across the United States.

National Hotline Aims to Mitigate a Silent Killer

The university’s efforts will focus on testing, consumer education, and increasing the availability of radon test kits. The EPA Region 7 Administrator, Meg McCollister, underscored the significance of the initiative: “Radon can’t be seen or smelled. It is essential that we test our homes for this leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, especially considering that many homes in our region have a high potential for elevated radon levels.”

Radon exposure has been identified as the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., following smoking. This grant will fund Kansas State’s hotline, a website for purchasing radon kits, and assessments of consumer-grade radon monitors. Additionally, the university will work to train and credential radon professionals to improve mitigation services nationwide.

Indoor Air Quality in Focus

Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, making the quality of indoor air a critical public health issue. The EPA’s initiative, which includes Kansas State University and five other recipients, will address risks tied to radon, asthma, and general air quality to prevent severe health outcomes.

• Asthma affects 25 million Americans, with a disproportionately high burden on poor and minority children.
• Grants will also prevent asthma attacks by improving interventions in homes and schools.

The cooperative agreement program promotes policy changes to improve indoor air quality in homes, schools, and workplaces, with an emphasis on regions prone to high radon levels. EPA Region 7, which includes Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and tribal nations, has several areas designated as Zone One or Two Radon Zones, meaning homes and buildings are at high risk for elevated radon levels.

Key Partnerships to Tackle Air Quality

Kansas State University joins a group of prominent organizations receiving $175,000 each under the program's first year. Recipients include:

• American Lung Association
• Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors
• Public Health Institute
• National Center for Healthy Housing
• Environmental Law Institute

These organizations will work on national and local levels to support environmental asthma interventions, improve air quality practices, and reduce radon exposure in high-risk areas.

Radon Zones: What Homeowners Need to Know

The EPA developed a Radon Zone Map in 1993, identifying areas across the U.S. with the highest risk for elevated radon levels based on geological and soil conditions. Many homes in Region 7 fall into these elevated risk categories, reinforcing the urgency of testing and mitigation efforts.

More information about radon, asthma, and other indoor air risks can be found on the EPA website, where residents can also view radon zone maps and access testing resources.

Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind Publications

• Michigan Stories - Unveiling the people, places, and events that make the Great Lake State unique, we'll explore hidden gems and must-do activities.
• Weird Political News - A sarcastic and insightful take on official news released by government sources, Political Action Committees and Public Officials from all over the US. All stories are true and sourced.
• Great Lakes Food & Fun - Michigan & Great Lakes Cuisine, Farm to Table, Local Recipes, & Places to Meet and Eat.

Your Turn - Like This, or Hate it - We Want to Hear From You

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Consider sharing this story. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.