Free Radon Test Kits Available To Cinnaminson Residents

CINNAMINSON, NJ — In an effort to make the public aware of the risks of radon gas, the Burlington County Health Department is now offering free radon test kits to homeowners, Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio announced on Tuesday.

“Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause lung cancer,” Garganio said. “According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.”

Washington Township, Mansfield Township and Chesterfield Township have been identified as areas that have high concentrations of radon, but all Burlington County residents are eligible to receive a free radon kit, Garganio said.

Cinnaminson is designated as “Tier 2,” meaning it has moderate radon potential. This means that at least 25 homes tested with 5 to 24 percent having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), according to the 2015 New Jersey Radon Potential Map, which was cited by Garganio.

A Curie is a unit of radioactivity equivalent to 1 gram of radium and the prefix "pico" means a trillionth. Four pCi/L is the national acceptable standard, according to radon.com.

The towns labeled as having high concentrations of radon are all "Tier 1," meaning at least 25 homes tested with 25 percent or more having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L.

The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) advises that no matter the potential, all homes should be tested because radon levels can vary widely within a tier location.

“With these kits, homeowners can easily test for radon themselves,” Garganio said. “This is something I encourage all residents to take advantage of.”

For additional information or to receive a free kit call the Health Department at 609-265-5548.

Patch file photo