You can't see or smell it but if it's in your home it can be deadly.
State officials are issuing a warning for people living in part of Lehigh County after high levels of radon were detected in a number of homes.
The discovery started with a simple test by a homeowner.
“High levels were discovered so for the past month or so DEP began testing homes in that Center Valley area,” said Colleen Connolly, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
They are testing for radon and employees at the Pennsylvania DEP say levels are high -- so high in one home that it is now one of the highest radon values ever recorded in the state.
“So you really can’t see it, touch it, smell it, or even taste it, it’s just in your home," added Connolly. "The only way to really know if Radon is high in your home is to have it tested.”
The DEP sent 500 letters to Center Valley residents warning them about the naturally occurring gas that comes from uranium in the ground.
“I think most people don’t understand what’s going on," said Center Valley resident, Tim Lenihan. "So I think it’s a good think for the letters to come out.”
Lenihan says he knew about the area being known for this problem and installed a radon mitigation system.
But down the road, Bill Dwyer tested his home after seeing a kit in a local home improvement store.
“We had grandchildren who are infants, born in October," said Dwyer. "I think that is what prompted us to be a little more diligent than we might have been otherwise.”
Dwyer's test came back high and he also had a mitigation system installed.
Now the DEP is holding an open house to make sure other residents know the dangers of radon.
“They will learn a lot about Radon and how to mitigate it and plus we can also ease their fears if they have any,” said Connolly.
The open house meeting will be December 4 at the Upper Saucon Township Municipal Building, 5500 Camp Meeting Road in Center Valley.
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