Press release
As the weather cools down, families spend more time inside and close their windows to keep warm. Because of this, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are reminding residents about a hidden health danger in many homes: radon.
Radon is an invisible gas that comes from breaking down natural rocks and soil underground. It has no smell, color, or taste. Radon enters homes through tiny cracks in the floor, gaps around pipes, or basement drains. When windows and doors stay closed during fall and winter, radon gas gets trapped and can build up inside your home.
“You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, so testing is the only way to know if your home is safe,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “Testing is quick and simple, and it is one of the best ways to protect your family’s health this winter.”
Why Test in the Fall and Winter?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), breathing in radon inside your home is the number one cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke. It causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year.
Fall and winter are the best times to test for radon. When doors and windows stay shut to keep the cold air out, radon levels inside the house reach their highest point.
Simple and Easy to Do
Testing your home for radon takes only a few minutes to set up:
· Get a Test Kit: Genesee County residents can get a free test kit by calling 585-344-2580 ext. 5555. Residents in Orleans County and other areas can find kits at local hardware stores or online at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/. Radon
· Place the Kit: Put the test kit in the lowest lived-in room of your home, like a basement or first floor. Keep it away from drafty windows and damp areas.
· Mail It In: When the test time is finished, seal the kit and send it to the lab for testing.
If the results show high levels of radon, certified experts can easily install a system to clean the air and remove up to 99% of the gas.
Act Today
GO Health encourages everyone, whether you own or rent your home, to test for radon this season. Houses right next to each other can have very different radon levels, so every home should be tested.
To learn more, get a test kit, or find a certified expert, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555