FREE RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce that January is Radon Action Month, a good time to learn about radon and its risks, and get your home tested.

“Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. It can build up in your home, get into the air you breathe and can cause lung cancer in you and your loved ones,” said Dr. Ruppert. Radon usually comes from the surrounding rocks and soil under your home’s foundation and can enter through cracks and openings on the lowest level of your home. It is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Though radon can get into any type of building, including homes, offices, and schools, you and your family are likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. The good news is that radon can be reduced by easy, low-cost home testing and repair. The Health Department’s Healthy Neighborhood Program provides free, home radon testing for low to moderate-income families and seniors. A brief home-safety survey is required at the time of the visit. If your home does have high levels of radon, a qualified radon mitigation contractor can make repairs to solve the problem and protect your family. To schedule a free radon test, while supplies last, call 845-364-3292 or 845-364-3290.

Residents can also get radon test kits from the New York State Department of Health, for a fee of $11. To learn more about radon and radon testing, fixing your radon problem, radon resistant new construction, and for a list of approved radon testing labs and certified radon mitigation professionals, call the New York State Department of Health at 800-458-1158, e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/radon.htm.