PA DEP News Release : Students Encourage Pennsylvanians to Start Year Off Radon Safe with Simple Home Test

DEP Newsroom
 
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01/6/2020
 
CONTACT:
Deb Klenotic, DEP
717-783-9954
Nate Wardle, DOH
717-346-4704
 

Harrisburg, PA – Students at Dingman-Delaware Middle School in Pike County are helping to encourage Pennsylvanians to do a simple home test for radon in January, National Radon Action Month. This invisible, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
 
Radon occurs from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. 
 
“Because of Pennsylvania’s geology, there are high radon levels in locations around the state, putting residents at risk of exposure,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Fortunately, it’s simple to determine the radon level in your home using an inexpensive test.”