The Department of Environmental Protection is urging Pennsylvania residents to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
The announcement comes during National Radon Action Month — an EPA-designated campaign aimed at raising awareness about radon’s health risks and encouraging homeowners to take action.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. The EPA reports that about 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter — levels confirmed by spokesperson with Allegheny County Health Department, Ronnie Dass.
“When breathed in, the radioactive particles move around in a person’s lungs and cause radiation damage to cells,” Dass explained.
The naturally occurring gas seeps into homes from the ground.
“The most important thing is to test,” said Bill Kail from Home Radon Pros.
He started his business after a family member passed away due to non-smoking lung cancer in 2017.
“We decided to have radon testing conducted in her home,” said a message on his website. “The home came back over two times over the recommended EPA level.”
In Pennsylvania, elevated radon levels exist due to state’s geological formations.
“The mines certainly give that gas easy pathways to the surface as well, and so a combination of both puts our area at a high risk,” Kail said.
The DEP is encouraging residents to purchase test kits, which are available in hardware stores. Testing is most effective during the colder months when homes and buildings remain sealed, allowing radon to accumulate to more detectable levels.
Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to detect its presence is through testing. Homeowners cannot rely on their senses to identify radon exposure, making test kits essential for determining whether action is needed.
Residents who need assistance interpreting test results or determining next steps can contact DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594 or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366.