January is National Radon Action Month. Exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Smokers have an even larger threat of developing lung cancer if radon is present in their surroundings.
Charlotte Ahrens from the Oneida County Health Department describes radon...
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"....radon is an odorless and radioactive gas that is naturally present in the ground. It is not an irritant to the eyes or nose, people don't develop allergies to it. The only problem with radon is we are not aware of its presence, so the only way to know if you have radon gas in your home is to test for it....."
The best time to test for radon is in the winter months when doors and windows are closed.
Ahrens says they have test kits available at the Health Department...
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".....these radon kits are kept out about 48 hours in the lowest level of your home, certainly a level that is lived in or worked in frequently, especially if you have exercise equipment in a family room or a basement...."
Ahrens says there are ways to correct the problem if you find radon in your home. More information is available through your county health department.
