JANUARY 24, 2008

LEGISLATOR KENNEDY ANNOUNCES RADON AWARENESS MONTH

Erie County Department of Environment and Planning offering Radon Test kits

Legislator Tim Kennedy announces that January is National Radon Awareness Month. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made short term radon testing kits available for $8.00 (includes postage and lab analysis fees) through the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning.

Currently, Erie County has been designated by the EPA as a high risk "Zone 1" County. Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless radioactive gas. Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air that you breathe. The EPA estimates that radon causes between 8,000 and 30,000 deaths each year. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.

Legislator Kennedy stated that "by announcing National Radon Awareness Month, citizens will now have a clear understanding of where to turn to for answers to their questions." Kennedy went on to say that "it is my hope that the citizens will be protected and lives will be saved."

The Erie County Office for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Radon Awareness Program provides services to meet the needs of citizens, home buyers and sellers, real estate professionals, and new home construction companies. Trained staff is able to assist you whether you are interested in purchasing a radon testing kit, need information on radon disclosure when buying or selling a home, or need information on radon resistant construction techniques.

The Environmental Protection Agency has made short term radon testing kits available for $8.00 (includes postage and lab analysis fees). For your protection, Erie County is only notified of your test results by zip code, they are confidential to you. Test kits are available through the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, which can be reached at 858-8390.

For more information, feel free to contact Legislator Kennedy’s office at 824-6180. Also, additional information can be obtained from the Erie County Office for Indoor Air Quality at (716) 858-6370, or the Indoor Air Quality 24 hr Hotline at (716) 858-6200

Back to District 2 Homepage