While the rest of the state will have to start paying for radon test kits, they will continue to be free in Douglas County, according to the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program.

The tests were free during January in honor of National Radon Action Month, but will cost $5 from extension offices outside of Douglas County.

Cooperative Extension offices are located in each county throughout the state. For a list of offices, visit the radon education website at http://www.radonnv.com.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in many homes and buildings, yet few people know about the health risk or have tested their homes for it. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer caused by indoor radon exposure.

Because radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, the only way to know if it is in a home or building is to conduct a simple three-day test. If high levels of radon are found, there are ways to reduce or mitigate radon levels.

Winter is an ideal time to test a home for radon. When a home is closed up during cooler weather months, radon concentrations typically increase.

For more information, call the Radon Hotline at 888-723-6610.