By Margaret Henderson
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (department) Radon Section offers municipalities the opportunity to partner in radon testing and educational initiatives. In joining New Jersey’s radon outreach efforts, communities help to prevent radon-related lung cancer. The department encourages joining by providing useful information through the Radon Action Partnership Package http://njradon.org/download/radon_aware_program.pdf.
This package, developed by the department, includes sample language for proclamations and press releases, information on testing and an order form for free radon action partnership materials. Additionally, the department lists suggestions for kinds of outreach activities community partners might conduct. The department provides the Partnership Packet in order to assist local officials in their outreach to community members and stress the importance of testing each home.
New Jersey’s Radon Potential Map http://njradon.org/radonin.htm shows most of the state is in Tier 1 (high risk) and Tier 2 (moderate risk) and notes that high levels (exceeding 4 pCi/L) have been found in all areas of the state. “Approximately 6 million people in New Jersey live in moderate to high risk radon areas,” notes Anita Kopera, Supervisor of the Radon Section. The goal is to educate residents and increase the testing rate in New Jersey. “Approximately 2.4 million homes still need to be tested,” Ms. Kopera explains.
Additionally, the department provides a slide show presentation suitable for educational purposes. This may be downloaded from http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/radon/outreach.htm.
Note regarding Tier designations:
Tier 1: High potential – at least 25 homes tested with 25 percent or more having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L
Tier 2: Moderate potential – at least 25 homes tested with 5 to 24 percent having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L
Tier 3: Low potential – at least 25 homes tested with less than 5 percent having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L
For more information, contact:
Anita Kopera
Supervisor, Radon Section
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Telephone: 800-648-0394
Fax: (609) 984-5425
Anita.Kopera@dep.nj.gov
United States