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New Jersey Radon Program Facts
How many radon tests were conducted and mitigations systems were installed during FY07? Total number of residential radon tests performed in FY07: 59,000 Total number of residential mitigation systems installed in FY07: 3,000
How many businesses and individuals are currently certified in New Jersey? Total number of certified radon measurement professionals: 675 Total number of certified radon measurement businesses: 21 Total number of certified radon mitigation professionals: 31 Total number of certified radon mitigation businesses: 14
How do New Jersey residents obtain information regarding radon? Contact the DEP Radon Section at (609) 984-5425 or (800) 648-0394 or visit the Radon Program web site at www.njradon.org. Total number of telephone calls received in FY07: 1.646 Total number of information packets mailed in FY07: 264 Total number of times any radon web page was accessed in FY07: 164,849
How did the New Jersey Radon Program begin? During the spring of 1985, staff from the DEP reviewed the available geologic and radiological data for New Jersey in order to assess the likelihood of finding elevated levels of radon in New Jersey homes. The initial assessment demonstrated that the potential for a radon problem in New Jersey was significant. The New Jersey legislature passed into law P.L. 1985, Chapter 408 that established the radon program in the DEP.
When did the New Jersey Certification Program begin? The mandatory New Jersey radon certification program came into effect on May 13, 1991. N.J.A.C 7:28-27 establishes rules, requirements and procedures that a person who wishes to perform radon testing or mitigation in New Jersey must follow.
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How is the Radon Program funded by EPA? The State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) is a project grant offered by the EPA under Section 306 of the Indoor Radon Abatement Act to assist states in developing and implementing radon programs. The DEP has participated in the SIRG program for 17 years. Through SIRG funding, the Radon Section funded studies such as Elevated Radon Area Evaluation Program, Real Estate Study, Radon Tampering, Day Care Center, etc.
What is the radon tier map? It is a display of the tier system that classifies municipalities as having high, moderate or low potential for elevated radon based on the percentage of homes in each municipality with radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4.0 picocuries/liter (pCi/L). Tier 1: High potential - at least 25 homes tested with 25 percent or more having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4.0 pCi/L. Moderate potential – at least 25 homes tested with 5 to 24 percent having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4.0 pCi/L. Low potential – at least 25 homes tested with less than 5 percent having radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4.0 pCi/L.
Tier 2:
Tier 3:
What is the Radon Hazard Subcode? The New Jersey Radon Hazard Subcode (Uniform Construction Code N.J.A.C. 5.23 Subchapter 10) requires that builders of new residential and educational buildings in Tier 1 areas incorporate construction features that inhibit the entry of radon from the soil and simplify the subsequent installation of a sub-slab radon mitigation system, if necessary. Licensed building inspectors are responsible for enforcing this code. What has NJ done to protect children from elevated radon in schools? A law was passed in 1997 requiring the testing of all childcare centers in New Jersey. Approximately 3,800 childcare centers are affected by this law and are required to test for radon every 5 years. In addition, Public Law 2000, c.122 was passed on September 14, 2000. The law requires all public schools to test for radon by September 14, 2005 and once every five years thereafter. However, on August 20, 2004, the Council on Local Mandates nullified the school testing law because it was determined to be an unfunded mandate. The DEP strongly recommends testing all New Jersey schools.
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