January is Radon Action Month
Broome County Health Department Offering Free Radon Kits
(BINGHAMTON, NY) –Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and causes thousands of cancer deaths each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Increasing public awareness is the focus of Radon Action Month in January. This month is the time to test, fix and save a life.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that seeps into your home typically through the basement. Radon gas is heavy and will pool in the lower level of homes but can be found anywhere in a building. Radioactive particles enter the lungs and potentially can cause cancer.
It is important to test your home for radon, especially if you live in a high-risk area and/or spend large amounts of time in basement areas. Broome County is among many other counties in New York that are deemed high risk for radon by the New York State Department of Health.
Testing is as simple as leaving the kit in a specific area for a set number of days and returning it to a testing facility. Results are generally available within one to two weeks.
Once detected, homes with high levels of radon can easily be made safe. The Broome County Health Department can discuss radon test results and offer suggestions on possible mitigation measures.
As a part of National Radon Action Month, the Broome County Health Department is offering free radon testing kits. Radon kits can be picked up at the Health Department at 225 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905. Kits will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about radon, visit the Broome County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health website at broomecountyny.gov/eh/radon or the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.ny.gov
