Lawrence Township Initiates Radon Awareness Program

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Lawrence Township Health Department.

The Lawrence Township Health Department is working in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Radon Section to promote testing for radon in homes within the township. In its “Radon Awareness Program” the DEP Radon Section provides outreach assistance to promote radon testing.

The township is pleased to cooperate with the DEP in this program to ensure residents are aware of the need to test homes and reduce radon levels where necessary. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.

Radon kits will be available at the health department on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limit of one free test kit per household.

The radon kits are available for use in Lawrence Township homes only. Proof of residency will be required at the time the radon kit is issued. Kits may be picked up at the Lawrence Township Health Department located in the municipal building at 2207 Lawrence Rd. during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium breaks down in the soil and in rock formations. Small amounts of uranium are found in nearly all soils and rocks. Radon gas moves up through the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and openings around sump pumps, pipes and drains.

High radon levels are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer resulting in approximately 21,000 deaths in the United States per year. It is recommended that homes be mitigated if they have radon concentrations of 4 pCi/L or more.

Homeowners who tested in the past and found low levels of radon may wish to retest to determine if radon concentrations may have changed, due to changes in air flow within the house from new additions or other renovations, or due to new construction nearby that may have caused changes in the local geology.

In addition to test kits provided by Lawrence Township, the DEP’s Radon Section at 800-648-0394 or www.njradon.org can provide a list of state-certified companies that provide testing services or do-it-yourself test kits, as well as companies that provide radon remediation services.

For more information on radon, contact the Lawrence Township Health Department at 609-844-7089, the DEP Radon Section at 800-648-0394 or www.njradon.org.