67% of homes in Stateline have elevated levels of Radon, learn more at presentation

January is National Radon Action Month, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering educational presentations and free radon test kits across the State of Nevada.

One presentation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) offices in Stateline, 128 Market St. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has partnered with the California Radon Program, so free radon test kits will be available at the event for residents of both states.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It comes from the ground and can accumulate in homes, raising the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-caused lung cancer, killing more people than secondhand smoke, drunk driving, house fires, and unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning combined.

In Nevada, one in four homes tested show radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level. The potential is higher in Stateline, where 67 percent of homes tested have an elevated radon level. Experts say living in a home with radon concentrations at the action level poses as much risk of developing lung cancer as smoking about half a pack of cigarettes a day.

The risk of radon-caused lung cancer can be reduced. A simple three-day test kit, available for free at this event, can be used to determine if a home has a radon problem, and if radon problems are found they can be fixed. Winter is the ideal time to test a home.

For people unable to attend the presentation, free radon test kits are available for Nevadans at the TRPA office during normal business hours, and a limited number of free radon test kits will be available at TRPA for Californians after the Jan. 23 presentation.

For more information, call the Radon Hotline at (888) 723-6610 or visit the Nevada Radon Education Program website at www.RadonNV.com. For more information about the upcoming radon presentation at the TRPA, contact Susan Howe, director of the Nevada Radon Education Program, at (775) 336-0248.

For information on free kits in El Dorado County: http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/17/2018/free-radon-kits-available-el-dorado-county-residents