Town putting focus on radon

MANALAPAN – Mayor Stuart Moskovitz announced that October has been designated Radon Action Month by the township in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Protection Radon Program.

"Radon is a serious health risk," Moskovitz said. "It is the second leading cause of lung cancer — and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. But because radon is invisible and odorless, it is easy to ignore this potential hazard in our own homes. By testing for radon, most homeowners can be comforted in knowing they are not at risk, and those homes that test positive can alleviate the problem."

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium and radium break down in the soil and in rock formations, according to Manalapan Health Officer David Richardson. Radon gas moves up through the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and openings around pumps, pipes and drains. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The average indoor level is about 1.3 pCi/L. At 4 pCi/L, the risk of lung cancer from radon is greater than the risk from fire or other home accidents.

Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. The DEP’s radon information line, (800) 648-0394 provides a list of certified companies that provide testing services or do-it-yourself test kits, as well as a list of certified mitigation companies. Test kits can also be obtained from many hardware stores and health departments.

During Radon Action Month, Manalapan will provide radon information at the Health Department, 120 Route 522. Residents can stop by or call (732) 446-8345 for information to be mailed.