County offers radon test kits
January is National Radon Action Month and a good time to test homes for radon gas.
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States among non-smokers and the second leading cause for smokers.
While radon is not something people can see, smell or taste, it may be a problem in their homes.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, resulting in more deaths per year than drunk driving, drowning, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Radon can be found throughout the United States. It comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air that people breathe.
It can get into any type of building and build up to high levels.
People are most likely to get the greatest exposure at home.
Testing is the only way to know if a family is at risk from radon.
The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
Test kits can be purchased for $6 at the Waupaca County Courthouse, Fremont Village Hall, Iola Village Hall and Weyauwega City Hall.
There are simple ways to fix a radon problem, and they are not costly. Even very high levels of radon can be reduced to acceptable levels.
For more information about radon or testing, call the Waupaca County sanitarian at 715-258-6389 or visit the Waupaca County website at www.co.waupaca.wi.us and click on the “Radon Action Month” link or visit the Wisconsin Radon Information website at www.lowradon.org.