Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can build up in your home. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who do not smoke. You can’t see radon. Or smell it. Or taste it. You can’t tell if there is radon in your home unless you test for it. Homes should be tested for radon every 3-4 years. High levels of radon can be found in any type of home.

Iowa has the highest average radon concentration of any state in the U.S., with 7 of 10 homes having a radon concentration above 4pCi/L, which is considered too high. Residents of Sioux County should be keenly aware of radon and the dangers it poses since average Sioux County levels are much higher even than the State of Iowa:

• United States average: 1.3 pCi/L
• Iowa average: 8.5 pCi/L
• Sioux County average: 11.1 pCI/L

Testing your home for radon is simple and inexpensive. Radon test kits are available through Community Health Partners and at city offices throughout Sioux County. To encourage winter testing, Community Health Partners is offering test kits at a reduced cost of $5 per kit through the end of February. Directions are included in the kit. It is important to test your home during winter months when doors and windows have been kept closed. If test results show elevated radon levels, you should talk to a certified radon mitigation specialist. They will work with you to reduce the level of radon in your home.

For more information about radon, see http://www.lung.org/radon, call the American Lung Association of Iowa at 515.309.9507, or email [email protected]. For more information about radon test kits, contact Community Health Partners of Sioux County (712) 737-2971 or [email protected]

Completing your radon test is easy. Directions are included with your kit, or you can watch this video from Jesse Green with American Radon Mitigation.