January is National Radon Action Month.
Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. If radon is in your home, it may pose a danger to you and your family’s health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and claims about 20,000 lives each year.
Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. However, Nebraska has a very high incidence of radon, with more than half of radon tests in the state above the action level of 4.0 pCi/L. This means that more than half of the homes tested for radon require mitigation to remove the dangerous gas from the home. If your home tests above 4.0 pCi/L, local help is available. Mitigation systems can be installed by Nebraska Licensed Radon Mitigation Businesses.
A quick and easy radon test can protect you and your family from lung disease and other health effects caused by radon. Don’t let radon be an unwanted visitor in your home. Testing for radon is the only way to know your home’s level.
Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) offers free home radon test kits to residents of Dodge, Saunders, and Washington Counties. Tests are very easy to complete and come with easy-to-follow instructions. Individuals will hang the test in their home for three to seven days, then seal it and take it to the post office or other mailing location.
Tests must be returned to the laboratory within a few days for accurate results, so expedited shipping is required. Individuals will need to pay for shipping.
Test Pick-Up Locations:
• Three Rivers Health Department: 2400 N. Lincoln Ave., Fremont, NE
• Three Rivers Health Department, Blair: Vinton Corner Building, 1762 Washington St., Suite 205,
Blair, NE
• Three Rivers Health Department, Wahoo: 1320 31st St., Wahoo, NE
• Wahoo Public Library: 637 N Maple St, Wahoo, NE
• Washington County Extension Office: 597 Grant St # 200, Blair, NE
• Hooper Public Library: 128 N Main St, Hooper, NE
For more information, call Three Rivers Public Health Department at 402-727-5396 or visit www.threeriverspublichealth.org. Additional information can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency at: https://www.epa.gov/radon
