Date Published: 01/20/2020 [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% of homes have long-term, elevated radon levels — considered four picocuries per liter (pCi/L) — in their living areas, compared to 5% statewide, according to the New York State Department of Health. The numbers range from an estimated 6% of homes in Remsen to 31% in Floyd.
An estimated 12% of homes in Herkimer County and 8% in Madison county have elevated radon levels.
Facts about radon:
Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths nationally each year.
Radon comes from the soil and rocks, seeping into buildings through cracks in the walls, basement floors and foundation.
Simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself kits can test the air in your home for radon.
Fixing elevated radon levels in a home generally costs between $500 and $1,500.