Asking this question can reduce the risk of cancer for the whole family:

“Have I tested our home for radon?”

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil. Outdoors, radon levels are low because they are diluted. However, in our homes, radon levels can build up and increase our risk of developing lung cancer. Radon enters our homes from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is increased, your family may be at risk.

The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in Kansas for nonsmokers. When you breathe in radon, it gets trapped in your lung tissue and gives off radiation that damages cells. Over time, this compound effect can cause lung cancer.

Homes with high radon levels have been found in every state, and radon levels can vary greatly in each home. In fact, your neighbor’s level can be very different from your own home’s level. According to the KDHE Kansas radon map, the average radon level is at least 5.1 pCi/ L which leads to 1 in 4 Kansas homes having high radon levels. Barton and Ellis Counties are both in the red with averages of 4.0 pCi/L or more.

The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon kits are available in both the Hays and Great Bend extension offices for $9.50 or you can order online at: https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/RadonKS

The cost of a kit is a small price to ensure your home has safe radon levels. If you’d like to purchase in person, kits are available in Great Bend at 3007 10th St.

Karissa Frasier is the Community Health Worker with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or krfrasier@ksu.edu.