Free Radon Testing Kits Available to Montgomery Residents This Month

radonThe Montgomery Township Health Department is offering free radon test kits to residents while supplies last.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil. It is released from the natural decay of the elements uranium, thorium and radium, and occurs in higher concentrations in certain areas of the state, including Somerset County.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is associated with 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

“In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to radon gas, residents are urged to test their homes,” said Stephanie Carey, Health Officer of Montgomery Township.  “It’s not uncommon to find that homes on the same block will have different test results. Even if your neighbor’s home is not affected by radon gas, it does not mean that your home is in an acceptable range.”

Starting today, Jan. 4th, one radon kit per household will be available without charge on a first-come, first-served basis, thanks for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Residents can pick up radon kits at the Montgomery Township Health Department, 2261 Route 206, weekdays during business hours.

Montgomery residents seeking more information on radon testing or mitigation should contact the Montgomery Health Department at (908) 359-8211.

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.