January is Kansas Radon Action Month
By: Kristin Penner
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas created by the decay of uranium in the earth’s crust and present everywhere on the planet. Some areas have higher radon levels, so residents can be more susceptible.
Radon is the #1 cause of Lung Cancer death for non-smokers. KDHE estimates that as many as 200 new cases of radon-related lung cancer occur each year in Kansas.
How do I know if my home has Radon?
The only way to know if you have high levels of Radon in your home is by testing it. Testing kits are available through your local K-State Research and Extension Office. All offices in the Wild West District have the testing kits available for $5 a kit.
Haskell, Stevens, and Seward Counties are in the red zone with levels 4.0 +pCi/L which is the highest range in Kansas. You could be in danger and not even know it.
For more information on Radon and its effects visit this website.
