January is Radon Action Month and a local official says that this type of gas is the leading cause for lung cancer in the US.

Greene County Environmental Administrator Chuck Wenthold says radon is a naturally occurring gas in the soil that is invisible, tasteless and odorless that seeps into homes typically through cracks or penetrations in the basement that can travel up to the higher levels of the home. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the real issue is that radon is found randomly in peoples’ homes and Iowa is considered a hotspot of radon activity, including locally.

“Greene County is one of five counties, it is kind of one of the higher ones for this. Again, the whole state of Iowa is considered a Zone 1 for radon, but in recent years Greene County is one of five that has had a higher levels in places. So it’s good to get that test and see where you’re level is. And if it that higher level, than work with a radon mitigation company.”

Wenthold notes that free test kits are available that are to be conducted for 5-7 days and then after the test kit is mailed, if the results are a pico level of four or higher, he recommends getting a mitigation company to do a longer test and seal up areas of where the gas could be entering the basement. And he advises when it is best to conduct the short-term test.

“The winter months are the best time because that’s when your house is closed up. As opposed to the summer just because of the air flow, if you have windows open or air conditioners running, it kind of throws the test off. So the winter months are the best time to do testing.” 

Wenthold suggests doing an annual test for radon levels to better monitor the gas and if levels are high enough to work with a mitigation company to get rid of it. Click here to access a free test kit while supplies last.