Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, invisible and chemically inert gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Radium is a decay product of uranium. Uranium is present in almost all rocks and soil and material derived from rocks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year (about one person every 25 minutes) in the U.S.
Request a Free Radon Testing Kit
Protect your family by requesting a FREE radon test kit. Testing for radon is the only reliable way to find out if there are elevated levels in your home. It’s easy and you can do the test yourself. You may also order radon test kits from the National Radon Program Services.
Data collected by the Florida Department of Health indicates that 1 in 5 Florida residences has radon levels above the EPA action level. Elevated radon levels have been found in all types of Florida buildings, including manufactured homes, schools and high-rise condominiums.
Radon may be in your home
In some areas of Florida, one out of two homes has excessive amounts of radon. Floridians are exposed to concentrated radon gas as it enters their building. The Florida Department of Health, in conjunction with the local county public health units, is working to support Floridians as they protect themselves from radiation exposure from radon gas.
Florida has a mandatory radon testing program for various public facilities, such as public and private schools, day care centers, and 24-hour care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals. This public testing information allows Floridians to make informed decisions in the care and education of their loved ones.
Radon Awareness
Many people do not know about radon or underestimate the risk. Educational materials empower individuals and communities with knowledge to take action. Printable resources are ready to download and share.
Poster/Video Contest for Kids
Florida participates in the national radon poster and video contests. If selected, winning submission will be distributed nationwide to promote radon awareness and testing during National Radon Action Month in January and throughout the year.
About Florida’s Radon Program
Governing Laws: Section 404.056, Florida Statutes | Rule 64E-5 Parts X and XII, Florida Administrative Code
The Radon Program was created by the State Legislature in 1988 to be a public resource for accurate information about radon, health effects, and how to test and fix radon issues. The radon program was created with three primary missions:
- To educate and inform the public about radon and its health effects.
- To protect the public from deceptive radon measurement and mitigation practices by certifying radon professionals.
- To administrate the state mandatory radon testing program of all State licensed, regulated, owned or operated 24 hour care facilities, Public and private schools grades K through 12, and State licensed day care centers.