Throughout the year there are various awareness campaigns and one of the focuses this month is on the dangers of radon. 

January is National Radon Action Month and Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says people should be aware of what radon is and the effects it can have. 

“Radon is odorless, tasteless and yet radioactive gas. Radon can lead to lung cancer, it’s a natural thing but that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing. It’s produced from the decay of uranium in the soil.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio the danger arises when those gases get into cracks in your foundation or find another way into your home. Cochran says this is an issue across the state. 

“Radon is in fact the leading cause of environmental lung cancer here in Iowa. As far as knowing ‘How do I know if I have radon in my basement or in my one level home?’ You may pick up a radon test kit at the Dallas County Health Department.”

Cochran says the cost for the test kit is $8 or you can order one online for $15 from the American Lung Association. The test kit will track the amount of radon in the air.