You can't see it, and you can't smell it. But if it is there, you'll want to know about it for the sake of your health.

The radioactive gas called radon can cause major health problems for people who are frequently exposed. As the weather cools and the windows close, it becomes a real issue in Cayuga County, where the substance is more prevalent than many other locations.

According to the county Department of Health, Cayuga County is a high-risk area for unhealthy concentrations of radon in buildings. The substance is the most common cause of lung cancers for non-smokers.

Because of the heightened risk in the area, the department has been issuing free kits that can be used to test radon levels in your home.

The gas can collect in buildings that are both old and new, so it can be hard to predict whether it is an issue without testing the levels, said Scott King of the county health department's environmental division.

“We really can't look at a home and say that home is susceptible to radon,” King said.

Radon is formed from the radioactive elements radium and uranium that occur naturally in the soil. When the elements break down, they release the gas into the air.

Normally, King said, radon levels that occur in nature are not harmful. But if the gas finds its way into a home, it can sometimes accumulate to levels that should cause concerns.

Cayuga County sees higher radon levels than other areas because of the composition of the soil, King said. In Auburn, about one in five homes have elevated levels of the gas. In Moravia and Locke, it is closer to one in three, he said.

“It basically boils down to geology, and the types of soil and rocks we have,” King said.

Radon becomes more of an issue during the fall and winter because people do not open their windows for ventilation. More of the gas accumulates, and people can get the worst-case scenario if they test during this time.

If the test shows elevated levels, the residents should test the home again, King said. If the second test confirms the results, there are local and state resources offering information on how to deal with the issue.

Many times, radon-related contractors can work on a home to make it safer.

King said it is usually recommended testing every four or five years, and he reminded county residents that they should never just assume that their house is radon-free.

“A lot of people think because their neighbor did a test, is okay. But it really is dependent on the condition of the home,” King said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net

Get tested

Limited radon testing kits are available for

free at the following locations:

• Community Health Division, 8 Dill St., Auburn

• Cornell Cooperative Extension, 248 Grant Ave., Auburn

• Environmental Health Department, second floor of county office building, 160 Genesee St., Auburn

• Town of Cato/Village of Meridian office, 11320 Shortcut Road, Cato

• Village of Union Springs, 26 Chapel St.

• Village of Moravia Office, 22 Central St., Moravia

Many hardware retailers also sell radon test kits.