NewsLocal News

Actions

How to get a free radon test kit from the Florida Department of Health

Posted
and last updated

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is offering free test kits to see if your home has elevated levels of radon.

RECOMMENDED: Many Tampa Bay classrooms haven't been tested for radon in decades, despite Florida law

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in the United States, according to the DOH. It comes from the radioactive breakdown of naturally occurring radium found in most Florida soils, rocks and groundwater.

Because "you can't see it, smell it or taste it" the only way for you to know the radon levels in your home is to test it.

"In Florida, one in five homes tested has elevated radon levels above the action level of 4 pCi/L."

Anyone with a Florida address can receive a free radon test kit, while supplies last.

All you have to do is print, fill out and email the coupon provided by the DOH to Radon@flhealth.gov.

After sending in your coupon, your test kit should arrive within two weeks. Then you just follow the instructions to conduct the test and send it to the laboratory address provided. 

If your test determines that your home has high concentrations of radon gas then the problem can be fixed by installing a proper mitigation system in your home — which cost about the same as any other common repair, according to the DOH.

For more information about radon, visit the Florida Health website

To print your coupon for an absolutely free radon test, click here.