Residents of Pennsylvania are being urged by the Department of Environmental Protection to test their homes for the deadly radioactive gas, Radon.
"Due to our geology, radon is found everywhere in Pennsylvania. For that reason, we urge residents to test their homes to protect themselves and their family's health," said DEP Secretary, John Quigley. "Winter is the best time to test your home for radon because doors and windows are typically closed and tightly sealed, producing the most accurate results."
The Radon Division of the DEP in Pennsylvania reported that Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Pennsylvania has one of the most serious Radon problems in the United States, with an estimated 40 percent of homes having Radon levels higher than the four picocuries per liter guideline of the Department of Environmental Protection.
"Approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are attributable to Radon exposure so the threat is very real," said Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen Murphy. "Radon exposure combined with smoking is a particularly lethal combination, so we encourage everyone to take steps to reduce their risk."
According to the press release of DEP in PR NewsWire, testing for Radon is the only way to know if there is a high concentration of Radon. Test kits can be bought at most hardware stores at an average cost of $15-$25, while hiring a state-certified Radon tester has a typical mitigation fee that ranges around $1,000. Home sellers are adviced to have their homes be tested first by a state-certified Radon specialist before putting their home on the list.
Newly-built homes are recommended by the DEP to have a passive Radon system installed during construction, so that if a high concentration of Radon is detected upon completion of the house, a fan can readily be installed.
The American Lung Association in partnership with the Pennsylvania DEP is giving away free Radon test kits until the supplies last.
