Radon:
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. You can’t see, smell or taste it, but radon could be present at a dangerous level in your home.
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock that gets into the air you breathe. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. It can get into any type of building--homes, offices, and schools. The greatest risk for exposure is where you spend most of your time – usually at home.
How Radon Enters the Home:
- Cracks in concrete slab
- Pores and cracks in concrete blocks
- Slab-footing joints
- Exposed soil. as in sump
- Cracks between poured concrete (slab) and blocks
- Loose-fitting pipes
- Water
When Should You Test?
- Every five years, or every two years if you have a radon mitigation system to make sure it’s working properly.
- During the winter months when your windows and doors can stay closed 24 hours before and during the entire testing period. However, you can leave and re-enter your home.
- When buying a home and after major renovations.
- Before buying a home, hire a certified radon testing professional. Check that the results of the test is will come from a laboratory approved through the State's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program.
- Check that the laboratory used to analyze the results is approved through the State's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program.
- Within 30 days of installing a radon mitigation system.
For more information about radon, visit: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/
For information about how to test your home and available local resources, call 243-7280.
