TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can have life-threatening consequences. That’s why the Vigo County Health Department is attempting to raise more awareness about the deadly gas.
Detection of radon is key to staying safe, that’s why the health department is giving out free radon testing kits this week.
Radon is a radioactive gas coming from the breakdown of uranium in the earth. The gas can come through small cracks or holes in the foundation of homes and buildings and get trapped in basements and first floor levels.
Exposure to the gas can cause lung cancer, Vigo County Public Health Educator Shelby Jackson pointed out, that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
“Any damages from radon is preventable we try to stress that prevention is key we want to get out there and we want to come back this before we see elevated levels of radon in our community,” said Jackson.
The free radon detection kits are courtesy of the Indiana Department of Health and American Lung Association. The Vigo County Health Department said they have a limited quantity of kits, so its first come first serve.
