HUD News

Washington- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the publication of its departmental policy for addressing Radon in the environmental review process. HUD plans to increase its commitment to radon awareness and the importance of addressing the risk of residential radon exposure with this policy. HUD wants that radon should be considered as a part of HUD’s environmental review process.

The number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is Radon. Not only this, Radon is also responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. HUD is committed to addressing the hazard of this serious contaminant by requiring that Radon be considered within the HUD environmental review process.

HUD’s Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “Through this new policy, HUD will increase awareness and address the hazards posed by radon to the health and safety of families across America. These grants will help public housing agencies reduce the threats presented by radon exposure to families and children.”

HUD encourages the testing of Radon as it is the most effective means by which site-specific levels of Radon can be identified. The policy is an additional step to advance toward Radon Awareness and mitigation of hazards in HUD-assisted housing.

The policy applies to environmental reviews of all HUD programs subjected to environmental review regulations at 24 CFR parts 50 and 58. This policy will come into effect 90 days after publication. The same policy will go into effect two days after publication for all tribes, tribally designated housing entities, and the department of Hawaiian Homeland Recipients.

HUD has recently allocated over $3 million to public housing agencies across six states to address radon hazards, specifically to protect children and families. This funding is part of the Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration Grant Program, which enables housing agencies to perform radon testing and, where necessary, carry out mitigation in their managed units. The program also aids in the development of plans for future testing and mitigation efforts. This initiative is set to safeguard approximately 3,000 residents, including children, from the health risks associated with radon exposure.