January has been proclaimed as National Radon Action Month. Radon is a radioactive gas that is virtually undetected by human senses. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can have serious health consequences, including lung cancer, when excess levels are present in your home. 

Gas enters the home from the soil through cracks in concrete floors, walls, floor drains and sump pumps. As we breathe, the gas releases tiny particles, which is why it is important to test your home.

Radon is known to be the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer smokers. It is important that your home, school or business is tested, and this do-it-yourself short-term radon test is the simple first step to making sure your home and family is safe.

Johnson County is known to have a higher amount of indoor radon, with an average of 5.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of indoor air. This is above the Environmental Protections Agency’s radon action level, which is at 4.0 (pCi/L). Testing for radon is the only way to know for sure if your home has radon. 

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension sells radon test kits for a reduced fee of $15. Each kit includes laboratory analysis by accredited radon measurement experts and return postage. These DIY kits make it easy and affordable to test your home. 

Radon kits can be purchased at the Johnson County Extension office at 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe. For questions concerning radon or radon kits, call 913-715-7000.