National Radon Action Month
Radon In Our Area...
The red regions on this map indicate the zones where the highest predicted levels of radon are found. In these regions, the average indoor radon screening level is greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). As you can see, we live in the red zone.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, claiming about 20,000 lives annually.
How to Test...
Cortand County residents can obtain free test kits through the Cortland County Department of Health. You must go to their offices and produce proof of residency and home ownership. For more information, call 607-753-5035
New York residents can obtain a radon test kit from the New York State Department of Health for $8.50. The cost includes shipping, handling and analysis. Test results are sent directly to the person who submitted the kit. To purchase a radon test kit, call the state’s Radon Program at 1-800-458-1158 extension 27556 or download an application at http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/testkit.htm
Test kits are also available in some local hardware stores.
What Next?
Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs; check with one or more qualified mitigators. Call NYS DOH Radon Hot line: 1-800-458-1158 x27556/(518) 402-7556 for help in identifying qualified mitigation contractors. Or go to: http://www.nyradon.org/
If you are a Cortland County resident homeowner, you are eligible for a $100.00 mitigation rebate. Applications are available with proof of repair costs, at the Cortland County Health Department.
For More Information on Radon:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguide.html
