RADON 1049
A review of available data demonstrated that New Jersey
had significant potential for a random problem and that it was
likely that the problem would not be confined solely to New
Jersey’s section of the Reading Prong. The National Uranium
Resource Evaluation data^13 indicated that significantly ele-
vated levels of uranium, and hence radon, could exist both
north and south of the Reading Prong. Outside the Reading
Prong elevated levels of uranium were associated with lime-
stone, shales and clays. Additionally, a literature survey^14 pre-
viously conducted by the New Jersey Geological Survey had
found reports of more than 100 locations of radioactive min-
erals in New Jersey, many well outside the Reading Prong.
Early State planning activities focused on the need to edu-
cate the public with regard to radon and develop legislation
providing specific programmatic mandates and associated
funding.
In January of 1986, Governor Kean signed a bill providing
$3.2 million to begin New Jersey’s radon program. A second
bill, signed into law in August of 1986, provided an additional
$1 million, mandated the development of certification for
testing and remediation firms and also guaranteed the confi-
dentiality of random test results. The major components of the
radon program developed using this funding include:Radon Information ProgramBy December 1, 1987 the DEP’s toll free information line
had received and responded to more than 52,000 telephone
inquiries. As a result of these inquiries more than 20,000
informational packages have been mailed out to New Jersey
residents. As the knowledge of radon has grown among New
Jersey residents so has the sophistication and complexity of
the telephone inquires. Currently, a great deal of staff time is
spent providing telephone consultation to residents who wish
to discuss the interpretation of their radon test results or who
wish an in depth discussion of the relative effectiveness of
alternative remediation methods. The Department of Health
also provides telephone consultation on specific health issues
related to radon. The Department of Environmental Protection
and the Department of Health provide speakers for groups
interested in learning about radon. By December 1, 1987,
more than 250 presentations have been made to interested
groups. Also, a slide presentation on radon was developed for
use with general audiences throughout the state. This slide
presentation is currently being expanded and re-packaged in
a video tape format for distribution to local libraries.Statewide Study of RadonIn 1986 the DEP contracted with the environmental engi-
neering firm of Camp, Dresser and McKee, Inc. (CDM) to
perform a $1.3 million statewide study of radon. The spe-
cific tasks within this study are to:a. Map areas of potential radon problems using all
available geographic, geologic, radiometric and
demographic data.
b. Develop a model to predict indoor radon exposure
statewide.c. Test the model developed in Task b using a
sampling program including approximately 6,000
structures statewide.
d. Perform a risk assessment for New Jersey
residents of the dangers posed by exposure to
radon gas.
e. Develop a computerized database for data
collected in the study.
f. Propose and prioritize further research suggested
by the statewide study.
g. Provide a summary report containing the most
salient findings of the study for presentation to
the legislature and the public.Epidemiologic StudyThe New Jersey Department of Health is conducting a case-
control study of female lung cancer victims and controls
in New Jersey. The primary aim of this study is to deter-
mine whether or not the lung cancer risk estimates derived
from studies of uranium and other miners are applicable to
individuals exposed to radon in their homes. The DEP has
supported this effort by performing radon tests in more than
800 homes of cases and controls.Confirmatory MonitoringAs the radon program was being planned the spring of
1985, it was recognized that as many as 1.6 million New
Jersey homes might be at risk for elevated levels of indoor
radon. It was clearly outside the resources of state govern-
ment to offer free testing to each potentially affected house-
hold. Preliminary cost analyses of no-charge testing for
1.6 million homes indicated a cost ranging from $40 million
to $200 million. A conscious decision was therefore made
to allow, and even assist in, the development of a radon test-
ing industry in the private sector. It was also recognized
however, that the unregulated growth of such a new industry
carried with it a significant potential for error and for con-
sumer fraud. Therefore, to protect New Jersey citizens, it
was decided to offer confirmatory testing to those residents
who had commercial radon tests performed in their homes
and obtained radon concentrations equal to or greater than
the 4 pCi/1 guidance level at which the EPA recommends
consideration of remedial action.Certification of Radon Testing and Mitigation FirmsThe DEP is in the process of promulgating regulations for
the mandatory certification of radon testing and mitigation
firms. In the interim, a voluntary certification program has
been implemented. This program currently enrolls 58 radon
testing firms and 24 radon mitigation firms. Respectively,
these total represent about one-half the number of firms
applying for enrollment in the two programs. The firms are
required to document specific expertise, refrain from scare-
tactic advertising, participate in the EPA Radon ProficiencyC018_002_r03.indd 1049C018_002_r03.indd 1049 11/18/2005 11:04:57 AM11/18/2005 11:04:57 AM