(KNSI) – Stearns County residents will soon have the opportunity to test their homes for radon gas at no cost, as the Environmental Services Department prepares to distribute 200 free test kits.
The giveaway coincides with Radon Action Month, an annual campaign each january to raise awareness about the health risks of radon exposure.
Beginning Saturday, January 17th, the kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with one kit per household. Given past demand, officials warn that supplies typically run out quickly.
Most kits will be distributed through the drive-thru at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 3601 5th Street South in Waite Park. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. A limited number of kits will also be available at the Environmental Services Department on the second floor of the Stearns County Service Center.
According to a press release, radon is a naturally occurring, colorless and odorless gas found in Minnesota soil that can seep into homes through cracks in walls and foundations. Once inhaled, radon releases radioactive particles that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. The gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, contributing to more than 21,000 deaths each year.
Health officials emphasize that testing is the only way to determine if a home has elevated radon levels. If high concentrations are detected, mitigation measures can be taken to reduce exposure and protect residents.
Stearns County officials say Minnesota homes face a particularly high risk. More than 40% of homes in the state test at dangerous radon levels, significantly higher than the national average. The state’s unique geology and cold climate create conditions that allow radon to accumulate in buildings.
For more information or to check on kit availability, contact the Stearns County Environmental Services Department at 320-656-3613.
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