January is Radon Action Month

The Surgeon General, the EPA, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Jefferson County Environmental Health Department would like to remind everyone that January is Radon Action Month and urges everyone to test their home for radon which is easy and inexpensive to do.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas which can infiltrate any type of building. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer claiming over 20,000 lives annually. Iowa has the highest percentage of homes above the EPA recommended action level. Prevention is key and testing is the first step.

Test kits can be purchased locally or ordered online at www.lchh.org For more information go to www.idph.iowa.gov/radon or call The Iowa Department of Public Health Radon Hotline 800-383-5992 or Dan Miller at Jefferson County Environmental Health 641-472-2561.