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Lung Association Report: High levels of cancer-causing radon gas detected in 21.7% of Vermont homes

Submitted by tim on

During National Radon Action Month in January, the American Lung Association urges everyone to test their home for radon

Vermont Business Magazine Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the “State of Lung Cancer” report reveals that it is detected at high levels in about 21.7% of homes in Vermont. During January for National Radon Action Month, the American Lung Association in Vermont is urging everyone to help save lives by testing their home for radon and mitigating if high levels are detected.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground. Radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless, and can enter a home through cracks in floors, basement walls, foundations and other openings. Radon can be present at high levels inside homes, schools and other buildings. It is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

Here in Vermont about 21.7% of radon test results equal or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level of 4 pCi/L, according to the Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report.

“Radon in homes is more common than you think. In fact, high levels of radioactive radon gas have been found in every state but most places in the country remain undertested, so this isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” said Trevor Summerfield, director of advocacy for the Lung Association. “Testing for radon is the only way to know if the air in your home is safe. The good news is that it is easy to test. Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use and inexpensive.”

After high levels are detected, a radon professional should install a radon mitigation system, which is easy and relatively affordable. A typical radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and properly sealing cracks and other openings. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside. Contact your state radon program for a list of certified professionals in your state. Some state health departments offer financial assistance or low interest loans for radon mitigation.

Learn more about radon testing and mitigation at Lung.org/radon and take the Lung Association’s free Radon Basics course at Lung.org/Radon-Basics.

Vermont Report

The American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report explores how lung cancer varies by state. It does this by analyzing key lung cancer indicators including incidence, survival, stage at diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. Learn more about how lung cancer is affecting your state and contact lawmakers urging them to save lives by protecting and expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Rate of New Cases Survival Rate Early Diagnosis Surgical Treatment Lack of Treatment Screening
Average Top Above Average Average Average Top

Fee-For-Service Medicaid Coverage of Screening

Covered

Highlighted Disparity

No racial disparities were found in Vermont for these lung cancer metrics.

Lung Cancer Rates

 

State Rankings by Rate of New Cases

Bar chart with 49 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying categories.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Age-Adjusted Lung Cancer Incidence Rate per 100,000. Data ranges from 25.2 to 84.8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of interactive chart.

New Cases:

  • The rate of new lung cancer cases is 56.4 and not significantly different than the national rate of 54.6.
  • Vermont ranks 25th among all states, placing it in the average tier.
  • Over the last five years, the rate of new cases improved by 26%.
 
 
 

Lung Cancer Treatment

 

While surgery may not be an option for every patient, those who receive it as part of their initial treatment have higher survival rates than those who do not. Patients who are not healthy enough to undergo the procedure or whose cancer has spread too far, may not be candidates for surgery. Other treatments may be recommended instead of or in addition to surgery, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

 

State Ranking by Percent of Cases Treated with Surgery

Bar chart with 48 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying categories.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Percent of cases Receving Surgery as part of First Course of Treatment. Data ranges from 13.5 to 31.3.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of interactive chart.

Surgical Treatment:

  • Vermont ranked 26th (out of the 47 states with available data) with 19.5% of cases undergoing surgery as part of the first course of treatment.
  • This is not significantly different than the national rate of 20.8% and puts Vermont in the average tier.
  • Over the last five years, the percent of cases undergoing surgery in Vermont did not change significantly.
 
 

Screening

 
 
 

Screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans among those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable.

Based on new research, in March of 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force expanded its recommendation for screening to include a larger age range and more current and former smokers. This will dramatically increase the number of women and Black Americans considered at high risk for lung cancer.

High Risk is defined as:

  2020 Guidelines 2021 Guidelines
Age 55-80 years 50-80 years
Smoking History 30 or more pack years
(this means 1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, etc.)		 20 or more pack years
(this means 1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
Smoking Status Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
 

State Ranking by High-Risk Screening Rate

Bar chart with 52 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying categories.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Percent of High-Risk Population Receiving Screening. Data ranges from 0.7 to 11.9.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of interactive chart.

Screening for High Risk:

  • In Vermont, 10.0% of those at high risk were screened, which was significantly higher than the national rate of 4.5%.
  • It ranks 4th among all states, placing it in the top tier.
  • Actual screening rates may be higher in states with large, regional managed care providers that did not share screening data.
 

For screening to be most effective in reducing the overall lung cancer mortality rate, more of the high-risk population should be screened – currently screening rates are very low among those at high risk. This may be because of a lack of access or low awareness and knowledge among patients and providers. Rates vary tremendously between states and more can be done to increase screening rates.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

Source: Vermont – (January 8, 2024) – American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601. www.Lung.org

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