Montgomery Township Health Department, and its partners in the Boroughs of Hopewell, Pennington, and Rocky Hill, have designated January as Radon Action Month, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Radon Program.

In announcing Radon Action Month , Stephanie Carey, Health Officer said, "Radon is a serious health risk. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer -- and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. But because radon is invisible and odorless it is easy to ignore this potential hazard in our own homes."

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium and radium break down in the soil and in rock formations. Radon gas moves up through the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and openings around pumps, pipes and drains.

"A significant number of homes in Central New Jersey are predicted to be above the acceptable limits for radon," Carey said. "We would like to see as many homes tested as possible, to reduce the radon risk in our communities."

During Radon Action Month ,  Montgomery Township Health Department will provide Free Radon test kits and education, while supplies last. Kits are available at:  

• Montgomery Township Health Department, 2261 Route 206, Belle Mead, NJ -- 908-359-8211 x 227

• Hopewell Borough Hall, 88 East Broad Street, Hopewell Borough

• Pennington Borough Hall, 30 North Main Street, Pennington Borough

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