HUD recently announced $4 million in new funding is available for PHAs to conduct testing and as-needed mitigation of radon in the units that they manage and, where applicable, to support the development of a plan for future testing and mitigation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 1 in 15 homes (7 percent) in the U.S. have elevated radon levels. The EPA also estimates that 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 estimates.
HUD anticipates making approximately 15 grant awards through the Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The funds for these grants will become available early this summer, and PHAs can apply for the funds through Grants.gov. Applications must be received no later than March 28, 2022.