Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil.  Radon causes no immediate health problems, but long-term exposure to radon can cause lung cancer.

Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. Lung tissue can be damaged, which can lead to lung cancer. Not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer, and the amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years. People who smoke or have been smokers are 10 times more likely to develop health problems due to radon exposure than people who have never smoked.

Radon gas seeps into a house from the soil around and under the home through cracks in the foundation, floor or walls; through hollow-block walls; and through openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.  Radon has been detected in new homes and in old homes, and in homes with or without basements.

Community Health Partners recommends testing all homes and apartments in Iowa—winter is the best time to test your home.   Radon test kits are easy to use and inexpensive.    Test kits can be purchased at Community Health Partners or the city office in your community for $6.  Test results are sent directly to your home address and include further recommendations for additional testing or corrective action.  Buildings with high levels of radon can be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques.

For more information, contact Community Health Partners at 712-737-2971/800-435-3454 or visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency site on radon at www.epa.gov/radon/