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RADON
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United
States ,
according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Only smoking
causes more deaths from lung cancer. To bring awareness to the dangers
of high radon levels, the EPA has again designated
January as National
Radon Action Month.
Testing in the home is the only way to know if
radon levels are elevated.
The Upper Missouri District
Health Unit (UMDHU) is offering free radon test kits, while supplies
last,
(including prepaid return postage) through the “Radon Awareness and
Promotion Program.” The winter months are the most accurate months for
testing.
Radon is found naturally in soil and rock and gets
into the air we breathe. Smoking, combined with high radon levels in
the home, greatly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
According to the
North Dakota Department of Health, more than 60% of homes in ND have
been found to have high levels of radon.
A limited number of kits are available on a first
come, first serve basis. The kit is small, with a simple testing process
that requires three days in the home for an accurate reading. A postage
paid return envelope is included to return the test to the testing
company, AirChek, Inc. As a follow-up, the homeowner will receive a
letter stating the radon level in the home, and/or can check online for
results.
RADON
http://www.health.state.nd.us/aq/iaq/radon/
For more information regarding environmental health, contact:
Dan Saint, EHP
774-6400
dsaint@umdhu.org
or
Daphne Clark, EHP,
Protection Team Leader
774-6400
dclark@umdhu.org
Upper
Missouri District Health Unit
110 West Broadway;
suite 101
Williston, ND
58801
(701) 774-6400 -
main 1-877-572-3763 -
toll free
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