UNCE NEWS RELEASE
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in many homes and buildings, yet few people know about the health risk or have tested their homes for it. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer caused by indoor radon exposure, killing more people than secondhand smoke, drunk driving, falls in the home, drowning or home fires.
Because radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, the only way to know if it is in a home or building is to conduct a simple three-day test. If high levels of radon are found, there is a way to reduce or mitigate radon levels.
Since January is National Radon Action Month, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s (UNCE) Radon Education Program is offering free radon test kits throughout the month of January to encourage people to test their homes for radon. After Jan. 31, test kits will cost a nominal $5 each. Cooperative Extension offices are located in each county throughout the state. For a list of offices, visit the radon education website, www.RadonNV.com.
Winter is an ideal time to test a home for radon. When a home is closed up during cooler weather months, radon concentrations typically increase.
For more information, call the Radon Hotline at 888-723-6610 or visit the radon program website, www.RadonNV.com.
Radon test kits are available at the following UNCE (University of Nevada Cooperative Extension) offices across the state and at:
- Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, 400 Darla Ct., Zephyr Cove, 775-586-1610
- Incline Village Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, 775-832-1300
- Washoe County UNCE, 4955 Energy Way, Reno, 1-888-723-6610
- Douglas County UNCE, 1329 Waterloo, Gardnerville, 775-782-9960
- Carson City and Storey County UNCE, 2621 Northgate Ln., Suite 15, Carson City, 775-887-2252
- Churchill County UNCE, 111 Sheckler Rd., Fallon, 775-423-5121
- Elko County UNCE, 701 Walnut St., Elko, 775-738-7291
- Eureka County UNCE, 701 S. Main St., Eureka, 775-237-5326
- Humboldt County UNCE, 1085 Fairgrounds Rd., Winnemucca, 775-623-6304
- Lander County UNCE, 815 N. Second St., Battle Mountain, 775-635-5565
- Lyon County UNCE, 504 S. Main St., Yerington, 775-463-6541
- Mineral County UNCE, 314 Fifth St., Hawthorne, 775-945-3444
- Northern Nye and Esmeralda Counties UNCE, #1 Frankie St., Old Courthouse, Tonopah, 775-482-6794
- Pershing County UNCE, 810 Sixth St., Lovelock, 775-273-2923
- White Pine County UNCE, 995 Campton St., Ely, 775-289-4459
