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(KNSI) – Stearns County residents wanting to test for a deadly gas that could be seeping into their homes can do so for free.

The county has 200 radon testing kits to give away to homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be picked up in the drive-thru at the Stearns County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Waite Park.

The colorless, odorless radioactive substance causes lung damage when inhaled. It comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon each year, and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

According to officials, more than 40% of Minnesota homes have dangerous radon levels. In Stearns County, 49.4% of homes tested had high radon levels. In Benton County, it was 29.3%, and in Sherburne County, 35.8%.

If a high radon level is detected, steps can be taken to fix the problem. January is National Radon Action Month. To get a test kit, call 320-656-3613.

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