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'Give a Can, Get a Kit' radon testing offered in October

Date Published: 10/19/2020 [Source]

Oct. 1923 is National Radon Action Week, have you tested your home in the last two years?

District Health Department Four wants to remind community members that regular testing for radon, every two years, in your home, office, and school is an important way to protect your health. The week of Oct.1923, participate in the department's "give a can, get a kit" event where bringing in a nonperishable, nonexpired item to be donated to a local food pantry will get you a free radon test kit.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. Because you can't see, smell or taste radon, the only way to know if you have elevated levels is by doing a test. Testing every two years is suggested as homes settle and slight cracks in the foundation of a home can result in changing radon levels.

Radon reduction systems can be installed to help reduce radon to acceptable levels.

Elevated levels of radon are present in 724 percent of homes in Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties.

"There are no warning signs for radon and the only way to know if there is a risk of exposure is to test. When property owners test for radon, they can identify problems early and take steps to reduce elevated radon levels," said Kevin Prevost, director of environmental health.

Kits can be picked up and nonperishable, nonexpired food items can be dropped off at District Health Department Four offices in Alpena, Cheboygan, Atlanta, and Rogers City, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m and noon, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct.1923.

For additional information about radon, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's site, www.epa.gov/radon.