Radon Levels Too High In 60 Percent Of Homes Tested


OMAHA, Neb. -- About 60 percent of Nebraska homes tested have higher-than-accepted levels of radon, officials said, but testing for the colorless, odorless gas can be easy.

The radioactive gas is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer.

January is Radon Action Month, and officials said this is a good time to test your house for the toxic gas while homes are closed up for the winter.

"It is a very simple test," said Sara Morgan of the Nebraska Health and Human Services Department. "Do it yourself. Unpack it. Sit (it) out in a part of the home (for) 48 to 72 hours. When time is up, put it in an envelope and mail it to the lab. It will be analyzed and your results will be sent to you in a letter of what your radon level is."

To order a $5 short-term radon test from NHHS, send a check or money order with your name and address to: Radon Program, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE, 68509. You can find more information at the NHHS Web site.

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