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DEP urges radon testing

The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsyl­vanians to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer, according to a press release.

“Because of our geology, nearly every county in the commonwealth has locations of high radon levels, putting Pennsylvanians at risk of exposure,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said.

“Testing your home is as simple as opening a can, and inexpensive do-it-yourself tests are available at hardware and home stores.”

Winter is an ideal time to accurately test for radon because windows and doors are kept shut.

Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings.

High levels of radon are often found in basements, but can also be found elsewhere in the home.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set four picocuries of radon per liter of air as an action level.

If radon levels are higher than this, environmental protection agencies suggest having a radon mitigation system, typically consisting of a pipe and exhaust fan, professionally installed to lower levels.

For more information, contact the DEP Radon Division at 800-237-2366 or 717-783-3594 or email

ra-epbrpenvprt@pa.gov.

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