Two out of five homes tested in Douglas have high levels of radon

Two out of five homes tested in Douglas County had elevated levels of the radioactive gas radon, one of the highest percentages in the state.

Douglas County residents turned in 912 radon tests during the first six months of year, 353 of which had levels higher than the action level set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

When added to previous testing, where 149, homes tested for high levels of radon out 314 usable tests, the total percentage was 40.9 percent. The total of 502 homes is the highest number in the state.

Residents packed Sheridan Acres Volunteer Fire Department in January when free radon testing kits were distributed.

A total of 255 kits were given out on a single evening and more were distributed by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

Nevada Radon Education Program Education Director Susan Howe said there was a big push in Douglas County.

"We presume there are a lot of homes that have elevated levels of radon that haven't been tested," she said.

Radon is formed by the decay of uranium in the soil. It is a tasteless, ordorless gas that seeps into homes, where it can gather in still places and give off radioactive particles as it decays.

It is believed to be the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, according to scientests in the Nevada Radon Education Program. Radon is a class A carcinogen that must be vented from the foundation into the open air, according to scientists.

The extension's radon program offers tests for $5, which includes postage and an analysis report. Kits are available at most extension offices in the state. Residents can also purchase test kits can by mailing a $7.50 check made out to Board of Regents to the Washoe County Cooperative Extension Office at 5305 Mill St., Reno, NV 89502.

Douglas County residents can receive a free test kit by going to the Douglas County Cooperative Extension Office at 1329 Waterloo in Gardnerville.

Howe said that lung cancer from radon is easily preventable.

This is a preventable cause of lung cancer and it's an easy and inexpensive fix," she said. "But the only way to know is to start by testing your home."

She said that along with the results of their test, people receive information on how to find out more about correcting the problem.

UNCE's Radon Education Program offers educational programs and literature to Nevadans to educate citizens about the radon health risk. For more information, visit the UNCE web site, www.unce.unr.edu/radon. If your group would like a program presentation, please contact Megan Long at the Radon Hot Line, 1-888-RADON10 to reserve a date.