Bernards Health Dept. Offers Radon Kits to Member Towns

The Bernards Township Health Department is promoting National Radon Action Month by offering reduced-cost radon kits for sale to homeowners in towns served by the department.

The charge is $10 per kit while supplies last. The kits are available for purchase by homeowners at the Bernards Township Health Department building at 262 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.
 
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in rock formations, and occurs in higher concentrations in certain areas of the state, including Somerset County. Radon tests are standard in this area when real estate is sold.

The Bernards Township Health Department serves Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough.

Radon gas exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in general, according to the health department. For smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer is greatly increased if they are also exposed to excess radon. Radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms, such as asthma or respiratory problems, but rather its effects are experienced later, the health department said in its announcement about the radon kids.

Those with further questions can contact the health department with questions at 908-204-2520. Further about radon is online with information from New Jersey  http://njradon or through the federal Environmental Protection Agency.