Why Is This Important?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. Radon can only be detected by specialized tests and can enter homes through openings that are in contact with the ground. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The risk of cancer decreases as the radon concentration decreases so it is recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection that every home be tested and mitigated when radon levels are 4 pCi/L or more.

Definition

Cumulative percentage of New Jersey homes that have ever been tested for radon.

Data Sources

• Radon Section, Bureau of Environmental Radiation, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
• U.S. Census Bureau
  (https://www.census.gov/)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

In 2022, New Jersey initially exceeded the Healthy New Jersey 2020 target value of 35% of homes tested for radon. There had been steady improvement in the percentage of New Jersey homes ever tested for radon from 1996 (9.7%) to 2017 (32.5%). There was a slight decrease in the percent of homes tested in 2018 followed by a steady increase in testing since 2020.

What Is Being Done?

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Radon Section conducts outreach activities to educate the public on the risks of radon and how homes can be tested and mitigated. These activities include formal educational slide presentations on radon awareness and participation in exhibits and conventions. The Radon Section has established regulations for the certification of radon testers and mitigators to ensure high quality radon services. All businesses and individuals conducting radon testing and mitigation in New Jersey must be certified by the DEP. The Radon Awareness Program provides reimbursement to NJ municipalities, health departments, and schools who purchase and distribute radon test kits to residents free of charge.

Health Program Information

Information about radon testing and mitigation can be found at [http://www.njradon.org] or contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Radon Section at (800) 648-0394 or (609) 984-5425. Free information packets are available upon request. Information on New Jersey radon potential by county and municipality is available from NJDEP: [http://www.njradon.org/radonin.htm] NJDOH has a fact sheet on radon, lung cancer and smoking: [https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/public-health-tracking/env-quality/caradonsmoking.pdf]