Residents urged to test for radon
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — January is Radon Action Month, and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is urging residents to learn more about the risks.
Radon is a naturally occurring tasteless and odorless hazardous gas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon exposure is the second leading contributor to lung disease. In some cases, radon can find its way into homes through holes or cracks in a basement and through well water.
According to the EPA, nearly a quarter of Erie County homes have heightened radon levels.
"You need to test. You need to find out what the levels are. If the levels are high, we can provide recommendations on what course of actions for residents to take," said Paul Kranz, Erie County Dept. of Environment and Planning Engineer.
Radon tests are available at hardware stores or discounted through the county for $8 dollars.