The Marion County Environ?mental Health Department is offering free home test kits to check for radon gas during January, which is ?Kansas Radon Action Month? in Kansas.
The test kits will be available at the Marion County Health Depart?ment, 230 E. Main St, Marion.
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in nearly all soils. Radon gas moves from the ground under and around a home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
About one out of every three radon measurements performed in Kansas are elevated, being above 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/l), according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Some areas of the state have higher levels than others, though elevated levels of radon have been detected in every county.
As many as one in 15 homes across the U.S. has elevated radon levels that often go undetected.
Inexpensive radon test kits are available year round at local hardware and builder?s supply stores and at county extension offices.
Homes, in which tests reveal high levels, can be fixed with simple venting techniques completed by a licensed professional.
Homeowners should talk with a certified radon contractor if levels of 4 pCi/l or above are detected.
A list of certified radon contractors is available by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at 800-693-5343.
