The Department of Environmental Protection urges all Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

The best time to conduct the test is during the colder months when homes are closed and radon is most likely to be trapped and build to unhealthy levels.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally through the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It seeps into homes through cracks in basements and foundations, and high levels of radon have been found in homes throughout Pennsylvania. The EPA recommends taking action to lower the level of radon in your home if the level is 4.0 pico Curies/liter or higher.

Radon mitigation systems typically cost between $800 and $1,200 and most homeowners will want to hire a radon mitigation professional to install the system.

In Pennsylvania, anyone who tests or performs mitigation work for radon on a home other than the one in which they live must be certified by DEP.

For more information and a list of certified radon contractors, visit DEP’s Radon webpage or call 1-800-23 RADON.

1/4/2008