What is Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and can only be detected by specialized tests. Radon enters homes through openings that are in contact with the ground, such as cracks in the foundation, small openings around pipes, and sump pits.

Radon Causes Lung Cancer

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The more radon you are exposed to, and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of eventually developing lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.

About the Radon Section

The Department of Environmental Protection Radon Section conducts outreach activities to educate the public on the risks of radon and how homes can be fixed. Staff work with municipal governments to promote public awareness. By law, all businesses and professionals conducting radon testing and mitigation in New Jersey must be certified by the DEP. The Radon Section regulates radon measurement and mitigation businesses and professionals to ensure high quality radon services.

Test Your Home!

Testing your home for radon is easy and homes with high levels of radon can be fixed (mitigated). The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Check with your local health department or municipality to find out if they are giving away free radon test kits. Homeowners can test for radon themselves or hire a New Jersey certified radon measurement business to perform the testing. Some certified radon measurement businesses sell test kits through mail order, and test kits from certified businesses are available at hardware stores or home centers. A buyer must hire a certified business to conduct a radon test.