Special to IFN

RALEIGH — In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is providing 8,000 free radon test kits at radon.ncdhhs.gov. Radon exposure is preventable, and testing is the only way to know if you or your family is at increased risk.

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas released from the ground into outdoor air but can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and other buildings. Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually across the U.S., including 480 deaths in North Carolina.

“Everyone in North Carolina is exposed to some level of radon, which can be dangerous to your health,” said Phillip Gibson, NC Radon Program coordinator. “We recommend that every home be tested for radon so you can know your risks and take the necessary steps for mitigation.”

To support increased radon testing and mitigation, NCDHHS has updated data and resources available to help North Carolinians understand the radon risk in their communities. Recent data show 90% of all North Carolina counties have elevated levels of radon present. A level of four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher in your home is considered unsafe. County-level data and specific mitigation recommendations are available on the NCDHHS radon webpage.

The 2023 North Carolina State Health Improvement Plan and the 2025-2030 North Carolina Cancer Plan include reducing radon exposure through testing and mitigation as a key priority to improving life expectancy statewide. In addition to providing free radon test kits, NCDHHS continues to educate communities across the state to ensure people take appropriate actions to protect themselves and their families from dangerous levels of radon. Flyers, fact sheets and video materials are currently available in 16 different languages.

LEARN MORE

Visit radon.ncdhhs.gov for more information and to order your free test kit while supplies last. Limit one test kit per household.