Friday, January 28, 2005
YOUNGSTOWN -- A limited number of radon test kits are available from the Mahoning County District Board of Health.
The kits screen for the presence of radon gas in indoor air. The results can help determine the need for further testing and consideration of corrective measures.
Mahoning County residents are reminded of the danger that radon gas poses in our homes. The EPA estimates that radon causes about 20,000 deaths from lung cancer in the United States annually. Exposure to indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil and water from the decay of uranium. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
Scientists have provided tools to help protect us from radon, such as a simple test that determines the level of exposure in our homes, schools and other buildings. Testing and measurement is simple and effective. If elevated levels are detected, simple, cost-effective steps can be taken to reduce concentrations to acceptable levels.
The kits will be available on a first come, first served basis from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Division of Environmental Health, 2nd floor, 50 Westchester Drive, Austintown.