Attorney Jeffrey M. Sanders says January is National Radon Action Month.

Radon is naturally occurring, odorless, and colorless gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon exposure is the leading cause of non-smoking lung cancer. Radon is a serious public health threat that is linked to more than 21,000 deaths per year, according to U.S. EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Because radon is a radioactive material, radon in air is measured in "picocuries per liter of air," or "pCi/L."

As a gas, radon can enter buildings through openings or cracks in the foundation. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem.

Radon migrating up through soil can enter into new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. U.S. EPA estimates that one in 15 American homes contains high levels of radon. There are many kinds of low-cost "do-it-yourself" radon test kits you can get through the mail and in hardware stores and other retail outlets. Or, you can hire a qualified consultant to do the testing for you.

For information on who to contact for free radon test kits,call:
Kentucky Radon Program
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, Ky. 40621
(502) 564-4856