January is Radon Awareness Month which is an odorless and invisible gas that causes cancer.

Dallas County Health Public Navigation Coordinator Ann Cochran says according to the American Cancer Society the state of Iowa is one of the highest in radon exposure. She details where the exposure begins. 

“Exposure to radon usually happens in homes, workplaces and schools because radon gas is in the rocks and soils and can come through cracks in foundations and up around pipes and wiring, up into buildings.”

Cochran says the best form of protection is purchasing a radon detector or a test kit from the American Lung Association, which can be purchased for $18 through their website. The test kit will track the amount of radon in the air. Anyone exposed to high levels of radon over a long period of time should seek medical advice. More information will be provided here.