Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo and the county’s Department of Environment and Planning will host a Radon Awareness Outreach at West Seneca’s Main Street Marketplace to educate residents about elevated levels of radon in Erie County and how residents can test their homes.

The outreach will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the West Seneca Main Street Marketplace, located at the corner of Union Road and Main Street, next to West Seneca Town Hall.

“There are serious risks associated with radon, which is why the county assists homeowners in testing their houses for the dangerous gas. Unfortunately, in the district I represent there are many areas that have tested positive for elevated levels of radon. It is critical that residents are informed of this possible hazard and test their homes to determine if steps need to be taken to mitigate the home and reduce radon levels in their homes,” said Legislator Lorigo.

A county expert on the topic will be available to talk with residents about their concerns and answer any questions they have. For information, please visit Erie county's Environment and Planning Departments webpage, Radon Awareness Program.

Order forms for the $8 radon test kit will also be available at the outreach. Residents unable to attend the outreach, who wish to order a test kit, can request an order form by contacting Legislator Lorigo’s office at 858-8922 or joseph.lorigo@erie.gov. To download a form, please CLICK HERE. 

“An estimated 23 percent of the homes in Erie County have elevated radon levels, so I encourage all residents with concerns to take the necessary precautions and understand the risks associated with higher levels,” said Legislator Lorigo.

Residents who wish to learn more about radon levels in Erie County should visit the Environment and Planning Department’s website, www.erie.gov/environment. Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless radioactive gas. It comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and is emitted into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon to cause between 8,000 and 30,000 of deaths each year. Air containing radon, can cause lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The website includes a map detailing where elevated levels of radon have been identified for homeowners to review.

For additional information, please contact Legislator Lorigo at 716-858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.