But radon is also part of a natural process. By learning as much as you possibly can from reliable information sources about radon and radon exposure, you will be able to make a calm and informed decision about what steps you will need to take, if any. Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments required EPA to establish several new, health-based drinking water regulations. The first of these, announced by President Clinton in December 1998, set requirements for microbial and disinfection byproducts. The multimedia proposal for radon will be the second of these health-based drinking water regulations.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Proposed Regulations EPA is proposing new regulations to reduce the public health risks from radon. They would not apply to systems that rely on surface water where radon levels in the water are very low. They also would not apply to private wells, because EPA does not regulate them. The unique multimedia framework for this proposed regulation is outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended in 1996. EPA is encouraging States to adopt this option because it is the most cost-effective way to achieve the greatest radon risk reduction.