Delaware County Public Health, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, and Office of the Aging work cooperatively to provide free Radon testing for homes, businesses and schools in Delaware County.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and causes thousands of deaths from lung cancer every year. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Only smoking causes more cancer deaths.

     What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon is an invisible odorless gas that contains radioactive particles.

     How does Radon get into my house?

Radon enters houses through cracks, foundation floor or walls, and openings around floor drains and pipes.

     Performing a radon test is the only way to measure radon exposure and know if you and
     your family are at risk. The EPA and Surgeon General recommend conducting a radon test
     on all homes, second floor and below.

    Attention: All Delaware County Residents
    For a free radon test kit, call Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607.865.6531.

     How can I fix my house if I have elevated levels of radon?

A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon levels in homes. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. In most cases, EPA strongly recommends installing pipes and fans to reduce radon. Radon reduction contractors may use other methods that may also work in your home depending on its design and other factors.

     Helpful Links

Centers for Disease Control

Environmental Protection Agency

New York State Department of Health

Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tobacco use is one of the most important health problems in our communities. Everyone whether they smoke or not, is affected by tobacco.

• One in five deaths in New York is tobacco related.
• Everyday, 200 New York teens start smoking.
• In New York State, lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of all cancer deaths in women.
• Everyday, the tobacco industry spends over 11 million dollars advertising and promoting its deadly product.
• Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and chronic disease in New York State.
• Tobacco kills more Americans EACH YEAR than alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS COMBINED.
• STOPPING SMOKING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO!!!
• Each year 3,000 Americans die from lung cancer caused by environmental tobacco smoke.
• Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, 43 of which are known to cause cancer.

Think smoking only effects you? Think again.

     -A pregnant woman who smokes…
               …can make her baby be born too soon or too small.

     -Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to get…
               …Pneumonia
               …Bronchitis
               …Severe Asthma
               …Ear Infections

-Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have…
               …Heart Disease
               …Lung Cancer

     Ready to Stop Smoking? There is help available!

If you feel you need more help or just have a question about stopping smoking, call the New York State Smokers Quit Line at:

1.866.NY QUITS (1.866.697.8487)

Also visit the New York Smoke Free website at www.nysmokefree.com

 
     For pregnant and parenting women/families that smoke there is help to quit!

The Quit Kit Smoking Cessation Program
Mother’s and Babies of South Central New York The quit kit program, is a free phone support smoking cessation program for pregnant and parenting families.
Go to www.mothersandbabies.org