Health Dept. says to be wary of radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk for developing lung cancer increases. Testing your home for radon is the only effective way to know if you and your loved ones are exposed to toxic levels of this poisonous gas.

“Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It has no smell, taste or color. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and mixes into the air you breathe. When radon is formed under homes and buildings, it can enter through cracks in the foundation. This leads to high levels of radon, especially in enclosed areas. Any home can have high radon levels and the only way to know is to test your home.”

The Genesee County Health Department Radon Program has a limited supply of short-term radon test kits free of charge for residents in Genesee County. We also offer educational materials and presentations to those interested in learning more about radon and the risks. Residents in other counties can get radon test kits at their local hardware store or through radon testing laboratories found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

For more information about radon and how to receive a free radon test kit in Genesee County, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.