Make January the Month to Test Your Home for Radon

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 25, 2016) - With temperatures plummeting and windows shut, NY State Health Commissioner Dr. Zucker is encouraging New Yorkers to test their homes for radon. January is National Radon Action Month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year approximately 21,000 people die from radon-induced lung cancer. Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas, and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Radon is present at elevated levels in approximately 37 percent of basements tested in New York State homes. It is naturally occurring, and dispersed in outdoor air, but it can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. Homeowners can test their homes at any time; however, it is best to do so during the heating season when homes typically let in less outdoor air. Every home should be tested and tested again after remodeling, weatherizing or following radon mitigation. Low-cost test kits are available through the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Radon Program: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/testkit.htm

Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs such as painting or having a new water heater installed. Information on radon mitigation can be found at http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/mitigation/what_is_mitigation.htm

For more information on radon, radon testing, mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction, visit: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/radon.htm. Contact the DOH Radon Program at 518-402-7556 or [email protected] Additional statistical information including radon levels and map data can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/maps_statistics.htm

and at Open NY https://data.ny.gov.