It’s something you can’t see, smell or taste but it could be cutting your life short without you even knowing.

January is National Radon Action Month and all area residents are encouraged to get their homes tested.  Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.  It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and it can get into the air you breathe.  The gas is estimated to cause thousands of death each year, but radon exposure can easily be prevented.

The Dallas County Environmental Health Director Ted Trewin says an estimated 400 Iowans die each year from radon induced lung cancer and you don’t know if there’s a problem unless you test. Especially since roughly 7 in 10 Iowa homes tests positive for radon levels above the healthy level, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Dallas County is offering free radon test kits to residents.  Trewin says there are 120 available on a first come, first serve basis.  The tests are simple and residents just need to hang them in an optimal spot in the lowest level of their home, let them sit for 3-7 days, sent the test into a lab free of charge and wait for results.

To obtain a free radon test kit call the Dallas County Environmental Health office at 993-5803.