State Distributes 8,000 Free Radon Test Kits for Residents

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making 8,000 free radon test kits available starting Jan. 1 as part of National Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is released from the ground into the air and can accumulate to harmful levels when trapped in homes or other buildings. State officials say testing is the only way to know if residents or their families face increased risk.

Radon exposure is linked to thousands of deaths nationwide and in North Carolina. The agency noted that radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths across the United States and about 480 deaths every year in North Carolina. Public health experts underscore that these deaths are largely preventable when homes are tested and high radon levels are mitigated.

Kits will be distributed through the NCDHHS online ordering system and through partner distribution channels. The free tests create an opportunity for Alamance County residents who may face financial or access barriers to monitoring indoor air quality. Low cost or free testing reduces the first barrier to detection, but mitigation of elevated radon levels can require additional expense and technical work, which presents further challenges for lower income households.

For local residents, the program is a prompt to act. Radon can affect any home regardless of age or construction, so testing matters for homeowners and renters alike. Testing is particularly important in living spaces with basements or crawl spaces where gases from the ground can enter and accumulate. Identifying elevated levels early allows families to pursue mitigation steps to reduce exposure and lower health risks.

The statewide distribution also raises policy and equity questions for local leaders. Expanding access to testing is an important first step, but public health advocates say it should be paired with resources for remediation and clearer guidance for landlords, home buyers, and builders. Ensuring that mitigation services are affordable and available will be key to translating test results into reduced cancer risk, especially in communities facing economic strain.

Alamance County residents seeking a kit should look for the NCDHHS online ordering option or check with local partner outlets that may receive distribution supplies. Testing during National Radon Action Month offers a low-barrier way to learn about indoor air risks and take a measurable step to protect household health.