Clay County Health Update: January is Radon Awareness Month, Darci Follon is the Clay County Public Health Educator and talks about what radon is:

Follon says one in fifteen homes in the US has radon levels above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter. But closer to home, it’s much higher.

 

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Everyone’s home should be tested, according to Follon. Especially if you are buying or selling a home, finishing a basement, using the basement for an office or bedroom. She says even newer homes can have high radon levels.

If your radon level is 4 or higher, mitigation is strongly recommended. Residents can contact Clay County Environmental Health for test kits and information. The Iowa Radon Hotline is 1-800-383-5992 and low-cost kits are available through the Iowa Lung Association.