LAKE TAHOE — University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program, in partnership with the Nevada State Health Division, is conducting a free public meeting tonight.

Simple and free radon test kits will be available to Nevada and California residents at the meeting, which will be held from 7-8 p.m. in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency office building located at 128 Market St. in Stateline.

Elevated radon levels have been found in 59 percent of the homes tested in Stateline, Glenbrook and Zephyr Cove. In the El Dorado County area of the Lake Tahoe Basin, elevated radon levels have been found in 55 percent of the homes tested, according to a statement from El Dorado County.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air but can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Free test kits are also available to Nevada residents at most Cooperative Extension offices in the state. To find the nearest Cooperative Extension office, call the Radon Hot Line at (888) 723-6610 or visit UNCE’s Radon Web site at www.unce.unr.edu/radon.

Free test kits for California residents are available at the El Dorado County Environmental Management office, 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 303.