Lawrence Township Initiates Radon Awareness Program
Radon kits will be available from the lawrence Township Health Department for township residents on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limit of one free test kit per household.
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.
