FREE RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS

January is National Radon Action Month - Test Your Home, Protect Your Health

NEW CITY, NY - - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce that January is Radon Action Month, a good time to learn about radon and its risks, and get your home tested.

Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It comes from the surrounding rocks and soil under your home's foundation. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well- sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. The ventilation rate and air flow patterns within a house are important factors that will affect how much radon will be pulled into different areas within the house.

"Radon can build up in your home, get into the air you breathe and can cause lung cancer in you and your loved ones. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high," said Dr. Ruppert.

Though radon can get into any type of building, including homes, offices, and schools, you and your family are likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. The good news is that you can test for radon in your home with an easy, free or low-cost home testing kit. If your home does have high levels of radon, a qualified radon mitigation contractor can make repairs to solve the problem and protect your family.

The Health Department's Healthy Neighborhood Program provides free home radon testing for low to moderate-income families and seniors. A brief home-safety survey is required at the time of the visit. To schedule a free radon test, while supplies last, call (845) 364-3290.

Residents can also get radon test kits from the New York State Department of Health, for a fee of $11. To learn more about radon and radon testing, fixing your radon problem, radon resistant new construction, and for a list of approved radon testing labs and certified radon mitigation professionals, call the New York State Department of Health at (800) 458-1158, e-mail at radon@health.state.ny.us or visit www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/radon.htm. Information about radon is also available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.epa.gov/radon.