June marks National Safety Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting the risk posed by radon gas in local homes. Radon is a major cause of lung cancer, especially for nonsmokers, and often goes undetected because it’s odorless and invisible. Health officials report that 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% in Stark County have detectable radon levels. Residents can purchase Radon Home Test Kits for $15 at Health Department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. For more details or advice on mitigation, visit henrystarkhealth.com or contact your local Health Department office.
The Health Department staff notes, “Many people don’t even know that radon gas is such a health threat. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in the soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels in the home. Radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and invisible and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem is to test for it. Breathing radon can increase one’s risk of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, your risk is even more heightened.”
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is undetectable without a test and can pose serious health risks if left unchecked in your home. The only way to determine if levels are unsafe is with a simple test. If your test reveals concentrations above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter, the Health Department offers guidance on next steps, including mitigation solutions. Affordable $15 radon home test kits are available through local offices in For more information, call our location nearest you: Kewanee (309) 852-0197, Colona (309) 792-4011, and Toulon (309) 852-3115. For further details, visit the Health Department’s website or connect on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Your family’s safety starts with awareness.
