Holmdel Township Providing Free Radon Test Kits

Screen indicating radon level on Airthings View Plus air quality monitor, Lafayette, California, March 23, 2022. Photo courtesy Tech Trends. (Photo by Gado/Getty Images)

(Photo by Gado/Getty Images)

The Holmdel Township Committee has partnered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Radon Program to help residents test their homes for radon gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Radon is a carcinogen and a major contributor to lung cancer, and a huge public health concern. It can enter homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation, floors, and walls so it's important to test homes and buildings for radon and to take measures to reduce radon levels if they are found to be elevated.

In his proclamation announcing Radon Action Month, Holmdel Mayor DJ Luccarelli stated, “prolonged exposure to radon can kill as many as 500 people in New Jersey each year, families who reside in homes with elevated radon
levels are at risk of developing serious health problems, and any home could have high levels, even when neighboring
homes do not. Radon testing can be done with great ease at a relatively low expense to the homeowner, with the cost
of reducing radon concentrations being comparable to a home repair.”

The Township Committee is doing its part to help residents check for radon in their homes. Beginning on Monday,
February 6th, Holmdel residents will be able to pick up one free radon test kit at the Recreation Department window
in Town Hall, Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. There are a limited number of test kits, and they will be available until
supplies run out.

During Radon Action Month, Holmdel will also provide radon information using its website and social media.
Holmdel is joining the State of New Jersey and the Federal Government of the United States in combatting Radon in
homes as Holmdel is listed as a “Tier 1 – High Radon Potential” area by the NJ DEP.
Radon is a gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste but it can still affect your health. Radon causes about 21,000 lung
cancer deaths every year. Fortunately, testing for radon is simple and inexpensive.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency “The National Radon Action Plan sets a goal for the nation to
find, fix and prevent high indoor radon levels in 8 million buildings by 2025 and prevent 3,500 lung cancer deaths
per year. Under this Plan, leaders from across multiple sectors are working together to plan, guide and sustain
nationwide action to prevent exposure to radon.”
If the test indicates a radon problem, radon mitigation systems can be installed at a cost similar to that of other home repairs.

Mayor Luccarelli commented on the program, saying “the Township Committee is proud to be able to provide radon
test kits to our residents to ensure they are aware of the radon levels in their homes.” The mayor continued, “this team of elected representatives will always look for effective and efficient ways to keep Holmdel citizens safe.”

N.J. Town Lands In Top 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns In U.S.

Travel & Leisure is showing the Garden State some love in their newest list of the most beautiful small towns in the United States. The travel site noted that "most beautiful" is subjective but all towns selected in the list have a population under 20,000 and are a mix of towns that have historic architecture, natural scenery, or breathtaking coasts.

The New Jersey town that was chosen for this list is Cape May.

"When you get there, you are struck by the beauty of Victoriana," said Diane Wieland, director for Cape May County Tourism per Travel & Leisure. "All the different colored painted houses...the gas lights. Then, there's a beautiful expansive beach."

Wieland added, "This is the experience you’re going to get. And this is what we live every day."

Check out the top 10 most beautiful small towns in the United States below: