HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on January 4 urged all Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon, a deadly radioactive gas that’s the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States. DEP also urged residents to take action to reduce radon levels in their homes if the levels are high.

“Due to our geology, radon is found everywhere in Pennsylvania. For that reason, we urge residents to test their homes to protect themselves and their family’s health,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley. “Winter is the best time to test your home for radon because doors and windows are typically closed and tightly sealed, producing the most accurate results.”

Testing for radon is the only way to know if a home, school, workplace, or other structure has elevated concentrations of radon. Test kits can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores at an average cost of $15 to $25 per test. If you are uncomfortable doing the testing yourself you can hire a state-certified radon tester, or if you are selling your home and want a radon test, it is best to hire a certified tester.