Test Your Home During National Radon Action Month

Radon can’t be seen, smelled or tasted, but it could be present at dangerous levels in your home.

The Allen County Department of Health urges residents to reduce their risk of lung cancer by having their homes tested during National Radon Action Month in January. Testing is simple and free test kits are available at the following locations in Allen County while supplies last:

• Allen County Department of Health
  200 E. Berry St., Suite 360
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Vector Control & Environmental Services
  2242 Carroll Road
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch)
• Grabill Town Hall
  13717 1st St.
  Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Leo-Cedarville Town Hall
  13909 Pony Express Run
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Monroeville Utility Department
  101 S Water St.
• New Haven Utility Payment Office
  City Hall, 815 E Lincoln Hwy.
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Woodburn City Hall
  22735 Main St.
  Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch)

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Because it is odorless and invisible, the only way to detect exposure is through testing.

Directions on the packaging should be followed for proper placement of the device and where to send the test kit to get results. If a high radon level is detected, a professionally installed reduction system can remove the radon from beneath the home and discharge it harmlessly outside.

Kits can also be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores for around $30 or qualified radon professionals can be hired to test homes.

For more information on radon, click here or visit epa.gov/radon.