Free Radon Testing Available for Kings County Residents
Date: 11/18/2016
Number: 16-073
Contact: Ali Bay, (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO ā The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is offering residents of Kings County free test kits to measure their homes for radon. Radon, a naturally occurring gas that is both colorless and odorless, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after cigarette smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
āThe first step in reducing the risk of lung cancer due to radon exposure is finding out whether the gas is in your home,ā said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. āThe presence of radon can vary widely within a county or even within a neighborhood, and the only way to know if your family is being exposed is by having your home tested.ā
CDPH is offering free radon home test kits to Kings County residents as part of the 2016-2017 County Winter Radon Screening Survey. Residents put the test kits in their homes for a few days and then mail them back for analysis. The test does not impact normal household activities.
Kings County residents will be receiving letters from CDPH inviting them to order free test kits. Residents who do not receive a letter can request a free home test kit by visiting the CDPH Indoor Radon Program web page.
Radon has been found in every county in California, so all residents in the state are encouraged to test their homes so they can evaluate the need for potential repairs. People who live outside of Kings County can purchase test kits through the CDPH radon website for $8.45.
The free test kits are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyās State Indoor Radon Grant fund. Each year, CDPH selects different counties to receive free test kits. Data collected from this annual survey contribute to CDPHās ongoing efforts to develop a statewide radon map. All regional maps published to date can be viewed on the CDPH radon website.
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