January is Radon Awareness Month

January is Radon Awareness Month. Do you know if your home has elevated levels of radon? Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Iowa has the highest percentage of homes with elevated radon levels in the nation.

Radon is a breakdown product of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. Radon gas seeps into a house from the soil around and under the home; through cracks in the foundation, floor or walls; through hollow-block walls; and through openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps. Radon has been detected in new homes and in old homes, and in homes with or without basements.

Test kits are simple to use and inexpensive. Siouxland District Health Department, 1014 Nebraska Street in Sioux City, offers radon test kits year-round for $7 each (walk-ins welcome during business hours). More information can be found HERE.