It's an invisible and odorless gas found in every county in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared January as National Radon Action Month.
Locally, Oneida County Community Health Specialist Marta Koelling says radon is something property owners need to check...
"...radon is something that should be tested for, usually annually. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It's something you should definitely be aware of...."
One in 15 American homes have high levels of radon, which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can reach high levels in winter as people have their homes closed for winter. The EPA says radon caused more deaths than carbon monoxide, fires and gunshot fatalities combined. Testing is recommended at least every two years.
Koelling says the Oneida County Health Department has test kits. More information is available at radonmonth.org
