1 In 3 Putnam Homes Should Deal With Radon: Health Officials

From the Putnam County Health Department

BREWSTER, NY — January is designated as Radon Action Month by the Environmental Protection
Agency. The risks tend to be higher during the cold winter months when homes are more tightly
closed up or sealed, but exposure to radon continues year round. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas and
the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the U.S. For those who smoke, it increases the
risk of cancer.

“Radon occurs naturally in the environment,” says County Executive MaryEllen Odell, “and
Putnam County is located in an area found to have high levels. Testing your home is a good idea.”

According to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), 32 percent of homes in Putnam are
estimated to have radon levels high enough that steps should be taken to fix the problem.

“Radon definitely contributes to the high lung cancer death rate in Putnam County,” says Interim
Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. “Smoking is not the only cause. To find out if you have
high radon levels, the only way is to test your home. We always advise residents to perform tests.”

Radon develops from the radioactive decay of uranium or thorium in the soil and it can seep into
homes or ground water. If the level within a home tests high, action can be taken to reduce it. Repair costs
vary and sometimes a simple solution can correct a problem. New homes can now be built using radon-
resistant construction.

Radon testing kits are inexpensive and easy to get. The NYSDOH sells testing kits by mail for $11
(includes lab testing fee) to New York State residents, or they can be bought at local home and hardware stores. Test kits remain in the home for a few days and then are sealed and mailed in for analysis. Results are usually returned to the homeowner within a few weeks.

For more information about radon, or to order a kit (NYS residents only), visit the NYSDOH website, or call (800) 458-1158 or e-mail at radon@health.state.ny.us.

SEE ALSO:

• Dangerous Radon Levels In 4,400 Hudson Valley Homes

MAP/ New York State Department of Health