Bill

Bill > SJR47


NJ SJR47

NJ SJR47
Designates August of each year as Radon Awareness Month; designates August 2 of each year as Radon Action Day.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This resolution recognizes the risk of long term exposure to elevated levels of radon in contaminated indoor air. Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas released from the Earth by the natural breakdown of uranium. Radon is a known carcinogen, killing over 21,000 Americans each year. It seeps upward into the air from exposed ground, through foundation cracks and other structural gaps. Radon levels fluctuate based on temperature, weather and other factors. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection classifies the majority of the State as having moderate to high risk potential for elevated levels of radon exposure. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that a home be tested every other year, upon sale, whenever a structural change is made, and in newly occupied areas. Radon testing is simple and can be performed by certified professionals. Mitigation of exposure is immediate upon venting and sealing the foundation and any structural gaps. This resolution recognizes the importance of testing indoor air for elevated levels of radon, and the importance of remediation in New Jersey through a campaign of awareness each month of August, and a day of action each August 2.

AI Summary

This joint resolution designates August of each year as "Radon Awareness Month" and August 2 of each year as "Radon Action Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness about the dangers of radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is a known carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer, which can seep into homes from the ground through cracks and other openings. The resolution highlights that prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, and that New Jersey has many areas with moderate to high risk of radon exposure, even though elevated levels can be found in low-risk areas as well. It emphasizes the importance of testing indoor air for radon, recommending testing every two years, before a home sale, and after structural changes or when new areas of a dwelling are occupied, and notes that mitigation, such as venting and sealing, can be done immediately by certified professionals or experienced home repairers. The Governor is authorized to issue proclamations encouraging public participation in observing these designated times with appropriate activities and programs.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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