Press releases
Did you know that radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the soil, which can accumulate in the air we breathe? Radon gas breaks down into fine particles that are radioactive, which, when inhaled, can damage the lungs. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.
Radon can build up to dangerous levels in your home, which can occur in new homes or older homes. Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors and in the well-water supply. Any house that has contact to the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home.
“Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if high levels are present and corrective action is needed,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “When radon tests are completed, they should be performed in the lowest primary living area of the home.” The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends that homeowners conduct radon testing:
· Every five years or every two years if you have a radon mitigation system to make sure it is working property
· When buying a home or after major renovations are completed in a home
· During a real estate transaction
· Within 30 days of installing a radon mitigation system
The Genesee County Health Department was awarded a five-year grant through the NYSDOH to provide radon prevention education and distribute free radon test kits to Genesee County residents. Currently, there is a limited supply of radon test kits that can be given to residents of Genesee County and this process is free of charge when you request a kit. If you live outside of Genesee County, you can purchase an inexpensive radon test kit from your local hardware store.
If test results come back and the radon levels in your home are greater than 4 units of radon per liter of air (pCi/L), you can contact a certified radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system in your home. Installing radon mitigation would be at the homeowner’s expense and is not required, although it is recommended.
For more details about the program or to seek a radon test kit, call the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.