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January 2025 Newsletter

Every child deserves a healthy place to learn, grow and thrive.

January is Radon Action Month

Jackie's Story

Every January, we highlight the critical importance of radon awareness and action. This year, we’re honored to share Jackie’s inspiring journey—from an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis to becoming a leading advocate for radon safety.


Jackie, a lifelong non-smoker from Bridgeville, PA, was shocked to learn she had lung cancer. After surgery, she discovered high radon levels in her home, a colorless and odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Motivated to protect others, Jackie championed radon mitigation efforts in her community and now serves as President of Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3).


Her message is clear: testing your home for radon can save lives. This Radon Action Month, take action—test your home and help build healthier communities.


Read more about Jackie’s story and radon safety.

Take Action!

Free Radon Kits Available in Allegheny County

Allegheny County Health Department is providing free radon test kits.


Pick up a test M-F between 8 AM and 4 PM at the Housing and Community Environment office (3190 Sassafras Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15201). One kit per household while supplies last so call ahead at 412-350-4046.

Report Card - Has Your School Been Tested?

Click the image to check! (Schools in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties only).

Why Is Radon Testing Important?


  • Radon cannot be detected unless it is tested for.
  • Children are especially vulnerable to radon because of their developing lungs.
  • Children and staff spend 1,000 hours annually at school. Prolonged exposure to radon increases lung cancer risk.


Encourage Your School To Get Tested!


  • Schools in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties can apply for a mini-grant to test and mitigate for radon and lead. Radon test kits are available for early learning centers, while supplies last, statewide through our Healthy Childcare Champions program.
  • Schools can apply at 1000hoursayear.org. 
  • Contact Sam Hernandez with questions: sam@whepa.org.

Radon in Schools Legislation

Our Radon In Schools Working Group traveled to Harrisburg in October to conduct a legislative briefing and announcement of Senator Devlin Robinson's new radon testing in schools bill (SB 1328). We are now working with the senator to secure funding to achieve this important milestone in Pennsylvania schools' environmental health. Stay tuned.

Save the Date: Virtual Screening of Youth v. Gov


Join us on March 27, 2025 (time TBD) for a virtual screening of Youth v. Gov, the story of 21 youth suing the U.S. government over the climate crisis.


A live panel discussion with local youth climate leaders will follow. Stay tuned for details!

Have Questions About WHE?

Meet Rachel, WHE's digital AI Assistant. She's ready to answer your question 24/7 and deliver resources right to your fingertips.

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About

WHE is a non-profit organization that empowers underserved communities to build resilience, promote equity and safeguard children from environmental health hazards. We collaborate with families, schools, and early learning centers to create healthy environments where children can flourish. Guided by science, we advocate for policies and programs that foster equitable lives free from environmental harms.

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