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TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a national campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure and the tribe is offering an incentive: free radon testing for any family who resides within the Cherokee Nation during the month of January. The testing is being offered as part of National Radon Action Month. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year; it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. “Because you cannot see or smell radon, people tend to downplay the health effects and ignore the possibility there might be a silent killer in their homes,” said Ashley Wagnon, Cherokee Nation Environmental Specialist. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this free test and check their homes during Radon Action Month.” Testing for homes is simple and problems can typically be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to other basic home repairs. Additional information and free testing kits can be obtained by calling the Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs office, phone: 918-453-5370.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org