Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in rock and soil.  It enters a home through cracks and openings in the foundation.  Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer.  There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you in the presence of radon.  It typically takes years of exposure before any noticeable problems surface.

Onondaga County has been designated by the New York State Department of Health as a “high risk radon county” based on average basement readings.  Testing for radon is the only way to know if you have radon in your home. The Onondaga County Health Department is offering a limited number of free radon test kits. If you are interested in a radon kit, call the Onondaga County Health Department Bureau of Environmental Health at 435-1649.