PENNSYLVANIA — January is National Radon Action Month, an annual observance aimed at raising public awareness of the hazards posed by radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. In Pennsylvania, where about 40 percent of homes exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended radon level, the month holds particular significance.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It can infiltrate homes through cracks in basements and foundations, accumulating to hazardous levels.
“Radon is a serious concern within the Commonwealth,” said Jessica Shirley, Interim Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “The Department of Environmental Protection remains committed to working with home builders, school districts, realtors, and other Pennsylvania departments to address radon issues and keep all Pennsylvanians safe.”
According to the EPA, radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. While the gas can pose a threat in any home, it’s particularly prevalent in Pennsylvania, where an estimated 40 percent of homes have radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
Given these statistics, DEP encourages homeowners to test their properties for radon, especially during colder months when buildings are closed up and radon is more likely to accumulate. The American Lung Association, in collaboration with DEP, is providing free radon test kits to Pennsylvania residents while supplies last, funded by a grant from DEP and the EPA State Indoor Radon Grant Program.
“Exposure to radon shouldn’t be taken lightly because it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” said Kevin M. Stewart, Director of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association. “The good news is that it is easy to test for radon. Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use and inexpensive.”
Radon test kits, which typically cost between $20 and $30, can be purchased at many home improvement and hardware stores or from Pennsylvania-certified radon laboratories. Once the kit is completed, it’s sent to a lab for analysis, and the results are provided to the homeowner.
For those with elevated radon levels, mitigation systems are available, typically costing between $800 and $1,200, with minimal maintenance required. A list of state-certified radon contractors, labs, and testers is available through DEP.
As we observe National Radon Action Month, Pennsylvania officials urge residents to take this silent but deadly threat seriously. By testing homes and mitigating high radon levels, Pennsylvanians can protect their health and the health of their families.
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