People across the state were urged to routinely test their homes and private water wells to prevent long-term exposure to high levels of radon, a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless radioactive gas. We especially hope that Kansas families will heed this call to action and take the necessary steps to safeguard their health. Health officials emphasize that only chronic, long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk for lung cancer. Smokers are at greater risk if they also live in homes which have high radon levels.
Radon exposure is, however, arguably the one cause of lung cancer that is easiest to prevent.
Testing for airborne radon is done with a special test kit, which collects radon from household air, and then is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Testing companies may also use direct reading instruments to determine radon levels in buildings. KDHE maintains a list of EPA-listed companies that provide these various test kits and services. The reason why we should test our homes is because chronic exposure to radon may lead to health problems. The department also has a variety of information resources available to the public regarding radon.