The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $504,797 to Inkster Housing Commission to protect low-income families in public housing properties from radon. Inkster Housing Commission will use the funds to test 710 ground-floor units and mitigate those above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines of 4 pCi/L.
The award is part of $4 million awarded to nine public housing agencies (PHAs) throughout the country through the HUD new Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration Program. Public housing administrators will use the funds in public housing properties where low-income families reside to conduct testing and, when needed, mitigate radon in public housing units they manage.
"With this funding, the Inkster Housing Commission can strengthen the link of healthy housing and health by mitigating radon issues and reducing risk of serious illness because of exposure," HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Diane M. Shelley said. "This program is only one of HUD's many efforts to reduce disparities in the health of low-income families."
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to ensure our housing units are as safe as possible and be one of the nine public housing authorities awarded these funds. This perpetuates our vision to be the premier affordable housing provider locally, regionally, and nationally that fosters diverse and vibrant communities to include housing, education, and economic growth," Inkster Housing Commission Executive Director Aaron Cooper said. "We thank HUD and all elected officials that continue to support our efforts to bring forth safe and affordable housing in Inkster. I also want to acknowledge our board of commissioners, staff, and residents for supporting a successful grant application."
The EPA estimates about one in 15 homes (7 percent) in the U.S. have elevated radon levels and about 21,000 people die in the U.S. annually due to lung cancer from radon exposure.
Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is a decay product of elements in soil and rock and is present in every part of the country. Low levels of radon are found in the outside air. Radon gas can move through the soil and enter buildings through small openings in the foundation or basement and become concentrated in the indoor air environment. When radon is inhaled, it can damage DNA in lung tissue and increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA published estimates.
