Date Published: 01/15/2020 [Source]
Radon causes lung cancer, and an estimated one in 15 homes has elevated levels of the invisible, odorless gas.
"Radon is a naturally occurring gas that hides invisibly in homes, yet is the nation's second-leading cause of lung cancer," said Elizabeth Hamlin, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in New York, in a statement.
"Lung cancer remains the nation's leading cause of cancer deaths, so to save lives people need to be aware of and take action on radon," she said. "The good news is that testing for and reducing the high radon levels is straightforward and effective. We encourage all families, schools and daycares to test for radon to protect everyone's health."
In Oneida County, an estimated 13 percent of homes have long-term, elevated radon levels — considered four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) — in their living areas, compared to 5 percent statewide, according to the New York State Department of Health. The numbers range from an estimated 6 percent of homes in Remsen to 31 percent in Floyd.
An estimated 12 percent of homes in Herkimer County and 8 percent in Madison county have elevated radon levels.