How do you know something is harmful in your home if you cannot see or
smell it? The answer: testing for it.
Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, naturally occurs in the earth but can become a problem when it builds up indoors.
In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and since we cannot see it, taste it or smell it, most people are not aware that an elevated radon level may be a significant health problem in their homes.
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in soil.
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation as well as openings around sump pumps.
Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up, and any home may have a radon problem.
This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
In Cayuga County a large percentage of radon tests performed in homes have had radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended level for taking remedial action.
Therefore, the EPA and New York State Health Department has determined that Cayuga County is a high risk radon County.
Testing for radon is relatively easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.
The amount of radon in the air is measured in “picoCuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.”
To test how many pCi/L of radon is in your home all you have to do is pick up a radon test kit.
Kits can be found in local hardware stores, ordered from the New York State Health Department or, for a limited time, reserved for free from: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County, 248 Grant Ave., Auburn; call 255-1183.
Remember, you can't see, smell or taste radon gas, and it doesn't produce any immediate health symptoms.
Therefore, the only way to know if your home is in danger is to have it tested.
In other news:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is offering the opportunity for residents to participate in a pheasant rearing program.
One day old pheasant chicks are provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for individuals to raise.
The birds will later be released on public lands to assist in revitalizing the ring-necked pheasant population in the area.
For further information or to order chicks, call Cornell Cooperative Extension Cayuga County at 255-1183. Order deadline is Friday, March 14.
Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, naturally occurs in the earth but can become a problem when it builds up indoors.
In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and since we cannot see it, taste it or smell it, most people are not aware that an elevated radon level may be a significant health problem in their homes.
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in soil.
It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation as well as openings around sump pumps.
Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up, and any home may have a radon problem.
This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
In Cayuga County a large percentage of radon tests performed in homes have had radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended level for taking remedial action.
Therefore, the EPA and New York State Health Department has determined that Cayuga County is a high risk radon County.
Testing for radon is relatively easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.
The amount of radon in the air is measured in “picoCuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.”
To test how many pCi/L of radon is in your home all you have to do is pick up a radon test kit.
Kits can be found in local hardware stores, ordered from the New York State Health Department or, for a limited time, reserved for free from: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County, 248 Grant Ave., Auburn; call 255-1183.
Remember, you can't see, smell or taste radon gas, and it doesn't produce any immediate health symptoms.
Therefore, the only way to know if your home is in danger is to have it tested.
In other news:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is offering the opportunity for residents to participate in a pheasant rearing program.
One day old pheasant chicks are provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for individuals to raise.
The birds will later be released on public lands to assist in revitalizing the ring-necked pheasant population in the area.
For further information or to order chicks, call Cornell Cooperative Extension Cayuga County at 255-1183. Order deadline is Friday, March 14.
Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
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