California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors
From an interview with Dale Parks, State Radon Officer, CDHP Indoor Radon Program
In this its first year of the program development, already around 300 libraries have received the digital radon monitors, which is approximately 26% of the 1100 libraries in California. Of those, around 200 are ready to check out monitors to the public. Dale’s goal is to have 600 signed on by the end of May of 2027. Dedicating a significant portion of the state’s SIRG funds to this initiative, 1300 monitors have been purchased and outreach activities begun promoting the initiative.
The idea for a Library Lending Program of Radon Monitors was something Dale credits the Kentucky Radon Program for inspiring. To promote the program, Dale has developed a 20-slide presentation and presented to the monthly Library Directors’ Meeting, with his message reaching 60 to 70 directors three months ago. In total, he has presented to 172 directors over time.
In 2027, the program will operate in full force and in January 2028, Dale will have reporting data to analyze and share, demonstrating the reach and success of the initiative.
To solicit participating, he has sent the following email message to library directors in California.
Subject: Enhancing Community Safety: Free Radon Test Cubes for libraries in California
Dear Library Director,
My name is Dale Parks, and I serve as the State Radon Officer for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Indoor Radon Program. I am reaching out to invite your library system to participate in a statewide initiative to provide residents with free access to digital radon monitors.
We are currently offering
Ecosense EcoBlu radon test cubes
to California public libraries at no cost. These digital devices are ideal for a "Library of Things" collection because they require no calibration, can last for ten years or more, and provide residents with real-time, easy-to-read results. No data is stored and there is no wifi or app usage. You simply plug them in and there is a number given for real time, daily, weekly, and monthly monitoring.
Why Participate?
Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. By lending these monitors, your library can empower residents to identify and mitigate this health risk in their own homes.
Several California libraries have already successfully launched this program, including:
• Lake County Library
(Christopher Veach, Director: 707-263-8816)
• https://www.cityoflakeport.com/news_detail_T14_R737.php
• Alpine County Library
• https://www.mendolibrary.org/borrow/library-of-things/radon-detectors
• Colusa County Free Library
• Del Norte County Library District
• Banning Library District
• https://www.suttercounty.org/government/county-departments/library
•
Resources to Get You Started:
To make integration as seamless as possible, we have provided the following resources:
1. Step-by-Step Guide to using the EcoBlu Radon test cube (attached)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0106/9911/2511/files/How_To_Test_Your_Home_For_Radon_Gas_With_Eco…
2. OCLC record for the test cube monitor (created by Lake County Library - Christopher Veach, County Librarian | Director, 707-263-8816 – he also authored attached press release template)
https://search.worldcat.org/en/title/1527927892
3. Article in Lake County News, 23July2025 – Lake County Library launches free radon detector loan program to promote home safety
https://lakeconews.com/news/community/82186-lake-county-library-launches-free-radon-detector-loan-p…
4. Video about how radon technology works (Radon eco-cube being given to the libraries)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q407wTqCHaA
How to Request Your Devices:
If you are interested in receiving free radon test cubes for your branches, please simply reply to this email with the number of units you would like to request and your shipping address. I can go in person and demonstrate how they work . I am also giving away radon single use charcoal test kits and some magnets promoting Radon testing.
Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of your community. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Sincerely,
Dale Parks
State Radon Officer
CDPH Indoor Radon Program
916-210-8558 Desk
916-925-1111 Cell
Mailing Address
California Department of Public Health
Indoor Radon Program
P.O. Box 997377, MS 7405, IMS K-2
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
United States