Definition

Percentage of homes testing at or above 4 picocuries radon per liter air (pCi/L) that have been mitigated.

Numerator

Number of homes that have tested at or above 4 pCi/L that have been mitigated.

Denominator

Total number of homes that have tested at or above 4 pCi/L.

Why Is This Important?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. Radon can only be detected by specialized tests and can enter homes through openings that are in contact with the ground. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The risk of cancer decreases as the radon concentration decreases so it is recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection that every home be tested and mitigated when radon levels are 4 pCi/L or more.

Other Objectives

'''Healthy New Jersey 2020 Objective EH-3''': Increase the percentage of homes testing equal to or greater than 4 picocuries per liter of air that have been mitigated to 50%.

How Are We Doing?

As of 2021, 46.4% of all New Jersey homes that had tested equal to or greater than 4 pCi/L had been mitigated. The HNJ2020 target was 50% mitigated.

What Is Being Done?

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Radon Section conducts outreach activities to educate the public on the risks of radon and how homes can be tested and mitigated. These activities include formal educational slide presentations on radon awareness and participation in exhibits and conventions. The Radon Section has established regulations for the certification of radon testers and mitigators to ensure high quality radon services. All businesses and individuals conducting radon testing and mitigation in New Jersey must be certified by the DEP.

Health Program Information

Information about radon testing and mitigation can be found at [http://www.njradon.org] or contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Radon Section at (800) 648-0394 or (609) 984-5425. Free information packets are available upon request. Information on New Jersey radon potential by county and municipality is available: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/radon/radonin.htm]. A fact sheet on radon, lung cancer and smoking is available from NJDOH: [http://www.nj.gov/health/ces/documents/caradonsmoking.pdf]