Welcome to the official website of
Jefferson County
New York
Jefferson County Public Health Service is a partial unit department and does not contain an environmental unit. If you are concerned about an environmental topic such as water testing, restaurant operations or licensing, obtaining a license to be a food vendor, unhealthy living conditions, etc. please contact:
New York State Department of Health
Watertown District Office
Dulles State Office Building
317 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Watertown, NY 13601
315-785-2277
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock that gets into the air you breath. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. It can get into any type of building--homes, offices, and schools. The greatest risk for exposure is where you spend most of your time – usually at home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke. You can't see, taste, or smell radon. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test it. Radon test kits can be purchased from a hardware store usually for $10 - $30. Follow the test instructions to ensure the test is done correctly. If you have high levels of radon in your home, call a certified radon mitigator to install a system that will reduce the radon levels in your home.
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