What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and can only be detected by specialized tests. Radon enters homes through openings that are in contact with the ground, such as cracks in the foundation, small openings around pipes, and sump pits.

The Radon Potential Map presents radon testing data to show the potential for elevated radon concentrations in each New Jersey municipality with tier area assignments of risk. While this type of visual tool is helpful to determine if you live in an area where radon is more likely to be found, DEP recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Radon concentration can vary widely even within a tier location, depending upon the geology and amount of uranium in the soil. This means that homes in low or moderate radon potential areas may still have elevated radon concentrations. The DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency both recommend that you mitigate your home if your test results indicate radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of radon or higher.

Radon Causes Lung Cancer 

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The more radon you are exposed to, and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of eventually developing lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.