American Lung Association Identifies Top Strategies to Boost Radon Test Kit Use and Prevent Lung Cancer

Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon can be detected with a simple test, so many state, local, tribal and non-profit organizations offer low-cost or free test kits. Unfortunately, too many go unused, so the American Lung Association conducted a nationwide evaluation of radon test kit distribution programs, and released a new brief titled, “Best Practices in Radon Test Kit Distribution: An Evaluation and Recommendations.” The brief identifies strategies to increase the likelihood residents will use and return radon test kits for analysis and then take action to reduce radon exposure.

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and the second leading cause of the disease is radon. While it is affordable and easy to test for radon, not enough families are testing. This is especially concerning because elevated levels of radon are found in homes in every state, and in some states, radon levels are elevated in as many as 1 in 3 homes,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We hope that all organizations that are implementing radon test kit distribution programs utilize these strategies, so more people test and we can prevent lung cancer.”

For the new brief, the Lung Association conducted an evaluation of radon test kit distribution programs through a literature review, conversations and interviews with six radon programs, a nationwide questionnaire, and by reviewing strategies in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State Indoor Radon Grant Reports.

The evaluation found that the most successful radon test kit programs make testing easy, accessible, educational and actionable. Combining simple logistics, personal engagement, educational support, and outcome tracking helps increase test kit use and ultimately reduces radon-related lung cancer risk. Specifically:

• Programs that reduce barriers and make testing easy achieve better participation.
• Trust, education and personal interaction help motivate residents to test.
• Simple logistics, such as prepaid return shipping and clear instructions, improve utilization rates.
• Ongoing support after testing is important for encouraging mitigation when high radon levels are found.

Following the evaluation and analysis, the Lung Association released a brief with the 10 best practices for state, local, tribal and non-profit organizations to implement in their radon test kit distribution programs:

1. Charge a Small Fee: Residents are more likely to use a test kit when they have invested a small amount of money in it. Discounted and full-price kits had higher utilization rates than free kits.
2. Provide Clear Instructions: Simple, easy-to-follow instructions increase confidence and utilization rates.
3. Include Prepaid Return Shipping: Provide a prepaid, self-addressed return label. Removing return-shipping barriers improves kit return rates.
4. Include Educational Materials: Provide information on radon health risks, lung cancer prevention, understanding test results, and mitigation options with the test kit. Education increases awareness, trust and motivation to act.
5. Prioritize In-Person Distribution: Face-to-face interactions can improve participation because residents receive the kit immediately and may present educational opportunities.
6. Minimize Ordering Requirements: Allow residents to pick up kits without a complicated pre-order process.
7. Use Coupons When Pre-Ordering Is Required: If an order process is necessary, coupons can increase redemption and utilization rates.
8. Evaluate Reminder Efforts: Contrary to expectations, programs using follow-up reminders did not consistently achieve higher utilization rates. Resources may be more effective when focused on education, accessibility or mitigation support.
9. Offer Follow-Up Services: Help residents understand results by providing consultation and mitigation referrals. It is important to proactively support residents with elevated radon levels in reducing exposure.
10. Track Outcomes: Monitor the number of kits distributed, kits utilized, test results and mitigation actions. This data helps improve programs, demonstrate impact and guide future investments.

Read the full brief, “Best Practices in Radon Test Kit Distribution: An Evaluation and Recommendations,” here.