Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas. The U. S. Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths per year. The only way to know if a home has high radon levels is to test for it. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium and radium that is found in nearly all soils. It moves through the ground into the air around and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a high radon level. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes and homes with and without basements.

In Region 2 elevated radon levels have been found in many areas in New York and New Jersey . Levels in Puerto Rico tend to be lower due to a combination of lower levels in the soil and the open style of housing common there.

Once a radon problem is found, there are simple ways to fix the home and lower the risk from radon. These techniques are commonly called radon mitigation. Your state radon office can supply you with information on how to test and fix your home for radon.

EPA Region II works closely with New York and New Jersey to develop State Indoor Radon Grant Projects to increase awareness, testing and fixing. These States have some of the most highly developed and successful programs in the country. We strongly recommend that you contact them directly to see what programs may help you lower your risk from radon.

EPA has developed a large number of radon publications for the general public and professionals in the radon field. These are available on EPA's national radon Web site. Hard copies of most documents are also available from this office and your state radon office.

For questions regarding radon in your local area, please contact our state counter parts at:

New Jersey Radon Program

Radon Program, Radiation Protection Programs
Department Of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 415
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0415
1-800-648-0394 (in state)>
1-609-984-5425 (out of state)

New York State Radon Program

Radon Program
Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection
New York State Health Department
547 River Street, Rm. 530
Troy, NY 12180
1-800-458-1158

Puerto Rico

Radiological Health Division
G.P.O. Call Box 70184
Rio Piedras, P.R 00936
1-787-274-7815

Radon

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