DEP: 40% Of PA Homes Exceed Federal Radon Action Levels

Pennsylvania environmental officials are advising residents to test their homes for radon this January.

The push for testing comes during Radon Action Month, an initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to raise awareness of a health hazard that often goes undetected.

“Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the United States, and is a serious concern within the Commonwealth,” DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said. “It is also very easy to protect yourself and your family from this naturally occurring gas.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S. In Pennsylvania, the risk is particularly high: roughly 40% of homes in the state have radon levels exceeding the EPA’s action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

While certain regions are more prone to the gas, officials warned that any home, school, or building has the potential for high levels.

Shirley recommended that residents place test kits on the lowest floor of their homes during the winter months, when buildings are typically closed and the gas is more likely to be trapped inside.

Simple test kits are available at hardware and home improvement stores for about $20 to $30.

Once a test is completed, it is sent to a state-certified laboratory for analysis. Residents also have the option to hire a state-certified company to perform the testing.

For homes where high levels are detected, permanent mitigation systems generally cost between $800 and $1,200. The systems require minimal maintenance, but the DEP advises that even homes with existing mitigation systems should be re-tested every two years.

“If you do have elevated levels, DEP has a list of state-certified radon mitigation system installers that can work with you to address it,” Shirley said.

The DEP has a list of certified contractors, laboratories, and testers on its website.

Residents seeking help with interpreting results can contact the DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594 or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366.