Radon

Genesee County, NY has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter).  No level of radon is safe and it can negatively impact your health.  Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if high levels are present and if corrective action can be taken. The Genesee County Health Department offers services to encourage residents to take action to make sure their home is safe. For more information about radon and the services provided by the Health Department read below.

Radon: A Radioactive Gas that can Enter Your Home
Do you know your radon risk?  Has your home been tested for radon? Knowing your risk is the first step to protecting your family. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, walls, joints, dirt floors, the opening of a sump pump, in the well-water supply, and from gaps around suspended floors and pipes. This colorless, odorless gas results from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water underneath homes and other buildings.  Any home can have high radon levels, whether it is old or new, has a basement, or is built on a slab. 

Health Risks of Radon Exposure
Long-term radon exposure can cause lung cancer in non-smokers and smokers alike.  According to the EPA, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.

 

Testing for Radon
Testing your home with a home test kit is the quickest way to determine if your home is at risk. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor.  Whether you are purchasing a new house or would like to test your current home, testing is an important safety measure.

You Can Fix a Radon Problem
If your home does have an elevated level of radon (4 picocuries per liter of air [pCi/L] or greater), you can install a radon reduction system. These systems should be installed by a Certified Radon Mitigator. Radon reduction systems can be low cost and effectively reduce even very high levels originally detected.  Reducing radon reduces health risks. To find a certified radon mitigator, visit the New York State Department of Health website.  

Radon Program Services

  • Free Radon Test Kits: If your home is located in Genesee County contact Genesee County Health Department to receive a short-term (testing home for 2-7 days) test kit.  A limited number of kits are available.
    • If you live outside of Genesee County, you can purchase a test kit at your local hardware store or get a free test kit from the New York State Department of Health while supplies last. For more information, click here. 
  • Community Education: The Health Department provides educational in-services and materials about radon, testing, and mitigation options upon request as a free service. 

Educational Materials Available Online & Hardcopy

Protect Your Family from Radon: A Guide for New York State Residents
Protect Your Family from Radon: A Guide for New York State Residents (Spanish)
A Citizens Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon
Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home
Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on Home to Build Radon-Resistant Homes
Build a Green Home! Radon Resistant New Construction
Have You Given Your Home a Radon Checkup? (Poster)
Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Health website. 

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