January is National Radon Action Month

FREE TEST KITS ARE AVAILABLE!!!

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is partnering with with the NC Radon Program and offering free Radon test kits as well as helping to provide educational information about Radon.  Radon is a tasteless, odorless invisible gas that is naturally occurring from the decay of Uranium found in the soil.

Why should you test?  Radon is second leading cause of lung cancer with the effects depending on quantity/concentration of radon, time exposed and if you are a smoker vs. nonsmoker.

It is also important to test in Alleghany County since we are listed as a Zone 1 which means due to our geologic makeup we have on average the highest potential for having homes with results of over 4 picocures per Liter of air for Radon.  The EPA recommends that homes with results of over 4 picocures install a mitigation method between 2 and 4 pCi/L homeowners should consider fixing their homes.  

Zone 1 - Highest Risk      Zone 2 - Moderate Risk      Zone 3 - Low Risk

You cannot predict Radon levels  from:

• Style of house
• Foundation type
• Heating system
• Air-tightness
• Presence of sumps, cracks, or other features
• Age of structure

*You have to test to find out!

Free test kits are available at the Alleghany Cooperative Extension Office - 90 S Main St, Sparta, NC or for more information, contact the office at (336) 372-5597.