HEALTH ALERT: JANUARY IS NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH

Did you know that it's possible to develop lung cancer when you've never smoked a cigarette in your life or haven't smoked for 20 years?  Exposure to a radioactive gas known, appropriately, as RADON could be the cause.  This odorless, colorless gas can enter homes through the surrounding soils and cause 20,000 deaths/year--the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths after cigarette smoking!  Fortunately, there is an easy and inexpensive way to test for the presence of radon in your home or apartment.  Log onto www.epa.gov/radon or www.health.state.ny.us (New York State Department of Health) for information on ordering a test kit.  Calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) will also get you the goods.  You don't need to watch "CSI" to learn how to do the test.  Follow the simple instructions, send it off to the designated lab and get your results.   If your radon level is below 4 picocuries per liter (abbreviated as 4 pCi/L) your home is in the clear.  If you learn that radon is present at 4 or more pCi/L, go back to the above websites for information on remediating the problem.  Still not convinced of the worthiness of radon testing?  Then check out "Eddie's Story" on the EPA website for a true-life depiction of what you or someone you love can experience if radon exposure is left unchecked. 

And since there's nothing like hearing from friends and neighbors, we'd love for you to share your experience with us here at the Plattsburgh Green Committee blog!