Delaware Healthy Homes

Delaware Residents click HERE for your free radon test kit.

Is there a killer in your basement?

According to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, second only to smoking. And it's the sixth-leading cause of all cancer deaths combined, responsible for about 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

What exactly is radon?

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks and soils throughout the world. It rises through cracks in the ground and in basements of buildings, where it collects, increasing the concentration that is inhaled.

Radon may be found in older homes and buildings, and in newer ones as well. In fact, since newer homes are more airtight than older ones, they often allow higher concentrations of radon to accumulate.

How do I know if there's radon in my home or building?

Radon can be found in one house and yet not in the one next door. So you must test your home to see if you or your family is at risk. Test kits are available at most hardware stores. You can even find out if you qualify for a free radon test kit. Contact the Delaware Division of Public Health Radon Office or call 1-800-464-HELP.

What you can do...

EPA recommends that a home be fixed if its radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher. And, because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, you should consider fixing your home even if your tested radon levels are under 4 pCi/L but over 2 pCi/L.

Someone may tell you to simply put a fan in your basement. That just moves the radon gas around; it doesn't lessen the amount. You also might hear you should just open a window. But then you lose all your heated, cooled or conditioned air. Your best bet is to contact a radon contractor by selecting the link on the right. The contractor can install a system that efficiently removes the high concentration of radon from your basement, most often using a sub-floor suction and venting technique.

Fact Sheets

Radon Fact Sheet

U.S. EPA Radon Fact Sheet

American Lung Association Radon Fact Sheet

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Delaware Residents click HERE for your free radon test kit.

Fact Sheets

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