Have you heard about radon? Do you wonder if your home is at risk for high radon levels? Would you like to learn more about radon and its risks?  January is National Radon Action Month and Kansas Radon Action Month. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 12:15 p.m. Living Well Wednesday will offer an online webinar, “Know Your Risks.”  

The webinar will be presented by Brian Hanson, from the Kansas Radon Program. You can register online or scan the QR code found on the Cottonwood Extension Facebook Page. If you cannot watch on the 11th, the webinar will be recorded and placed on the KSRE Living Well Wednesday website.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced naturally in some soils and is prevalent in Kansas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in non-smokers. Radon levels are low outdoors because its effects are diluted, but indoor levels can build and lead to lung cancer. Kansas soils generate significant amounts of radon leading to the potential for homes to have elevated concentrations of this naturally-occurring class A carcinogen.

The only way to know if there is radon in a home is to test. Winter is the best time for testing when homes are closed up from outside air. Radon screening kits can be purchased at the Extension Office for $7. The self-mailer kit includes full instructions for completing the test and returning it to a lab for analysis.  We also have information booklets if you would like more information or are buying or selling a home. Stop by or call the office for more information.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 ormoniquek@ksu.edu.