AARST_Radon_Reporter_Q42025

36 | SEPTEMBER 2025 LUNG CANCER A new report details how the rate of radon dramatically varies by state, which can help inform residents about their risk for exposure to cancer-causing gas. The American Lung Association’s new “State of Lung Cancer” report examines national and state-by-state rates of new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment, screening, insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, and radon. Overall, the report finds that great strides have been made in efforts to end lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. This year, nearly 227,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer. The good news is that physicians are detecting lung cancer earlier when it is more likely to be curable, and people are living longer after diagnosis. Along with key lung cancer indicators, the report reviews the leading risk factors of lung cancer, smoking, radon and pollution, by state. The report examines the percentage of radon test results that were at or above the action level of 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L) recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and also ranks the states from lowest to highest. The report finds that the states with the lowest percentage of radon test levels that were at or above the EPA’s action level were: Hawaii 0.4% Louisiana 3.1% Mississippi 5.2% Texas 7.7% California 8.2% On the other end of the spectrum, the five states in the country with the highest percentage of radon test levels that were at or above the EPA’s action level were: 47. Ohio 48.8% 48. Nebraska 55.8% 49. Iowa 57.9% 50. North Dakota 58.0% 51. South Dakota 59.8% Since radon and cigarette smoking are both causes of lung cancer, people who smoke and are exposed to radon are even more at risk. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Smoking is directly responsible for approximately 80-90% of lung cancer deaths and radon-related lung cancers are responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. According to the “State of Lung Cancer” report, the states with the highest smoking rates are West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Since West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee also have higher than average percentage of radon test levels that were at or above the EPA’s action level, it is even more important for residents in those states to take action. To reduce the risk of lung cancer, it is critical to work to reduce exposure to the two biggest risk factors for the disease. The American Lung Association urges radon testing, as well as encourages people who smoke to start their journey to quit. If you use tobacco or nicotine products andwant to quit the American Lung Association’s nicotine cessation program Freedom From Smoking® Plus is now available to you for FREE ($99.95 value). Through a special partnership of the American Lung Association and the Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST), this digital quit tobacco program is available to all IEA members, radon and VI professionals, and their families. Create a personalized quit plan and receive a full year of support with expert guidance and resources. Learn more about the program and how to enroll at aarst.org/ala-ffs/ or scan the QR code to begin your quit journey today. New “State of Lung Cancer” Report Details Radon Risk By State By Jennifer Folkenroth, Jennifer Folkenroth, BA, CTTS, NCTTP, NCNTT, CPAHA-TT, Senior Director, Nationwide Tobacco Programs for the American Lung Association State of Lung Cancer 2025 Report