Free Radon Kits Available to Califon Residents

The Califon Board of Health is participating in the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) which provides local governments funding for the purchase of radon test kits for residents.  If you have not had your home tested for Radon Gas, or if it has been over 10 years since you last tested, we urge you to stop by the Municipal Offices and pick up a free kit. The kit and the lab testing are free to all participants.

The EPA does not require Radon Gas testing of homes prior to real estate transactions, however, about 15 years ago, most banks or lending institutions made radon testing a requirement. If you purchased a home 25 years ago, there is a good chance that the home was not tested and we urge you to take advantage of this program.

What is Radon and how does it harm you?

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, like other radioactive materials, undergoes radioactive decay that forms decay products. Radon and its decay products release radioactive energy that can damage lung tissue in a way that causes the beginning 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 the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, resulting in 15,000 to 22,000 deaths per year.

Last modified: April 3, 2022