Monroe County Legislature

Logel and Chase-Pitkin make 144 radon test kits available

County Legislator Tracy Logel (R-Chili) introduced legislation in the Monroe County Legislature to raise public awareness about the danger of high levels of radon in some area homes. Under the measure, which was introduced as part of the January "Radon Awareness Month" campaign, the Monroe County Health Department has 144 radon test kits that will be available to the public free of charge. The kits, available on a first-come basis, were donated by Chase Pitkin.

Radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, is a colorless, odorless gas that can leak into homes through the basement or crawl space from adjacent or exposed soil, rock, or well water. It can also enter the home through dirt floors, cracks in concrete walls and floors, floor drains, and sumps. In a small number of homes, the building materials may also give off radon.

A July 2001 study of radon levels by the Monroe County Health Department indicated that the towns of Mendon, Rush, Riga and Wheatland had an average radon level above the recommended levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency. While these towns are at a higher risk, there remains the potential for high levels of radon in other areas of Monroe County as well.

The Monroe County Legislature unanimously approved the measure at its meeting on Tuesday, January 14. The public can contact the Monroe County Health Department at 274-6050 to request a free radon test kit or to obtain more information on the dangers of radon. Radon test kits are available while supplies last.