Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month, bringing public awareness to a very serious health hazard.
“Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the United States, and is a serious concern within the Commonwealth, but it is also very easy to protect yourself and your family from this naturally occurring gas,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “January is a great month to pick up a test kit from the local hardware store, put it on the lowest floor of your house, and find out if your home has radon. And if you do have elevated levels, DEP has a list of state-certified radon mitigation system installers that can work with you to address it.”
Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and about 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). While radon problems may be more common in some regions, there is potential for any home to have high radon levels.
Due to its unique geology, Pennsylvania is particularly prone to elevated radon levels, and the only way homeowners can know for certain if they have a radon problem is to test their home. DEP recommends that all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. The best time to test is during the colder months, when homes and buildings are closed, and radon is most likely to be trapped and build up to higher levels.
Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from Pennsylvania-certified radon laboratories. Radon test kits typically cost approximately $20-$30. Completed test kits are sent to a Pennsylvania-certified lab where the sample is analyzed, and the results are sent to the home or building owner. Homeowners are also able to hire a state-certified radon testing company to do the testing for them. Even homes that have mitigation systems installed should test their homes every two years.
The public is encouraged to call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary.
Permanent radon mitigation systems typically cost between $800 and $1,200 and require minimal maintenance. A list of state-certified radon contractors, labs, and testers is available on DEP’s website. The list is also available by calling 1-800-23-RADON.
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