Free Radon Test Kits Offered by North Carolina Health Department
Beginning January 1, 2026, residents of North Carolina will have access to 8,000 complimentary radon test kits provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This initiative aligns with National Radon Action Month, emphasizing the importance of testing for radon exposure, a risk that is otherwise undetectable without testing.
Radon, a naturally occurring gas that is both odorless and colorless, can accumulate indoors to levels that pose significant health risks, including lung cancer. Each year, radon contributes to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths across the United States, with 480 of those occurring in North Carolina alone.
Phillip Gibson, NC Radon Program Coordinator, underscores the universal exposure to radon in North Carolina, advising that all households conduct radon testing. “We recommend that every home be tested for radon so you can know your risks and take the necessary steps for mitigation,” Gibson stated.
The NCDHHS has enhanced its resources to support radon testing and mitigation, providing updated data to help residents gauge radon levels in their communities. Recent findings indicate that 90% of North Carolina counties report elevated radon levels, with readings of four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher deemed unsafe. Detailed county-level data and mitigation advice are accessible on the NCDHHS radon webpage.
The focus on reducing radon exposure is highlighted in the 2023 North Carolina State Health Improvement Plan and the 2025-2030 North Carolina Cancer Plan. These plans prioritize testing and mitigation as strategies to enhance life expectancy across the state. Beyond distributing free test kits, NCDHHS is actively educating communities with materials available in 16 languages, ensuring widespread awareness and action against high radon levels. These resources can be found here.
For more details on obtaining a free radon test kit, residents can visit radon.ncdhhs.gov. Each household is eligible for one test kit. Additional information on radon mitigation strategies is available on the NCDHHS radon mitigation webpage.
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