Portland intern urges council to study mandatory radon testing, proposes 'Healthy Home' initiative

Imani Lindsey, an intern for Councilor Loretta Smith, told the Portland City Council on Aug. 7 that her research on radon — an odorless, colorless gas linked to lung cancer — supports a city study of mandatory testing and a public education program.

Lindsey said radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air and that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing when levels reach 4 picocuries per liter. “Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer,” she said, noting national and local fatality estimates provided in her packet.

The intern proposed a Healthy Home initiative that would bundle radon education with information on mold and lead, and asked the council to refer the idea to the Housing and Homelessness Committee for a feasibility study covering political, financial and health considerations. Councilors present thanked Lindsey and indicated support for sending her materials to committee.

Council discussion was brief. Council President and other members praised the research and encouraged referral to Councilor Smith’s committee; no formal action or funding request was taken during the meeting.

The presentation materials Lindsey assembled — described to council as an information packet and a map showing higher-risk areas — remain available to Councilor Smith for follow-up. Council staff said they will treat the proposal as a candidate referral to the Housing and Homelessness Committee; no schedule or staff assignment was announced at the meeting.

The matter was raised during the meeting’s opening presentations and did not involve a roll-call vote.