Why New Yorkers Should Check For Radon

January is Radon Awareness Month and the Chenango County Health Department wants to remind you to take some steps to stop the risks associated with this harmful gas.

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and it doesn't have a special color, taste, or odor, so that can make extremely deadly. Radon comes from the soil and rock underground and can eventually, make its way into homes through small cracks and holes.

Radon can build up indoors and can cause lung cancer over time and you may never know it. It can take many years for the health problems to happen, so the sooner you take action, the better it is.

Radon Test Your Home

Radon testing is very important, especially if you've never had your home tested for it. So while your thinking of it, do it now and test for radon in your home especially if you plan on buying or selling it.

It's also a good idea to test for radon if you plan to have someone live in your home's lower level like in the basement. The radon test is simple and can be done within a few days. The test can detect and let you know if radon levels in your home are above or below the recommended level of 2.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).

Reducing the Chances of Radon Poison

To reduce the chances of radon poisoning, there are some simple things that you can do like increasing air flow in your home or sealing the cracks in your floors and walls. If you're buying a new house, find out about radon-resistant construction techniques.

If you're looking for an excuse to stop smoking, well here is a great reason. Smoking can increase your chances of getting lung cancer if you're exposed to radon.

For more information on radon, visit the Chenango County Health Department website or reach out to their Environmental Health Division at (607) 337-1660.