State Health Officials Encourage Radon Testing

As part of Governor Pat McCrory’s commitment to a healthy North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging North Carolinians to test their homes for radon.  Officials are distributing free radon test kits through county health departments.
 
This year marked the first year all 100 counties are participating in the NC Radon Program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. A limited number of kits are available at no cost while supplies last.
 
“Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. among non-smokers and, for no cost, citizens can test their homes and protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Mark Payne, Assistant Secretary of Audit and Health Service Regulation.
 
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Radon is released from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and other buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.
 
To receive a free radon test kit visit or call your County Health Department.