January 2025: National Radon Awareness Month in Buffalo, NY
As winter settles in and we spend more time indoors, it’s a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about an invisible but dangerous threat: radon. January 2025 marks National Radon Awareness Month, and for residents of Buffalo and Western NY, this is a crucial time to educate themselves about the risks of radon exposure and take action to protect their homes and families.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which makes it difficult to detect without proper testing. It is produced from the decay of uranium found in soil and rock, and it can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors. While radon is present in the outdoor air at low levels, it can accumulate to harmful concentrations indoors, particularly in areas with poor ventilation.
Why Is Radon a Concern in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo, located in western New York, is situated in a region where radon levels can vary significantly. Some areas are known to have elevated radon levels due to the underlying geology, which may contain higher concentrations of uranium. Since radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States—only behind smoking—it’s essential for Buffalo residents to understand the risks and take preventative measures.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can lead to serious health issues, particularly lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at an increased risk, but even non-smokers who are exposed to high radon levels over time face a significant health threat.
How to Protect Your Home from Radon
The good news is that radon can be detected and mitigated, and National Radon Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action. Here are some steps that Buffalo residents can take to protect their homes and families from radon:
- Test Your Home: The first step in protecting your home is to test for radon. Radon test kits are widely available but for a more accurate result, consider hiring a certified radon professional to conduct the test.
- Mitigate High Radon Levels: If radon levels are found to be high, there are several mitigation options available. The most common method is the installation of a radon mitigation system, which typically involves a vent pipe system and fan that directs radon gas from beneath the home to the outside.
- Educate Your Family: Radon awareness isn’t just about testing your own home—it’s about spreading the message. Share information with your neighbors, friends, and family members to ensure that others in the Buffalo area are also taking the necessary precautions.
- Regular Testing: Since radon levels can fluctuate over time, it’s important to periodically test your home for radon, especially if any major changes or renovations have been made.
Radon is a silent, invisible threat that can have serious consequences for your health, but with the right knowledge and actions, it is easy to protect yourself and your family. As Western New York residents, it’s our responsibility to raise awareness during National Radon Awareness Month and beyond. By testing our homes and addressing any potential risks, we can ensure a safer environment for our loved ones.
This January, take the time to test for radon—your health depends on it.