Radon is a natural, tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas produced from the decay of radioactive elements in the soil. Radon gas moves from the ground under and around a home through cracks and crevices in the foundation to collect inside.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, after cigarette smoking. Nearly one out of every 4 homes in Kansas may have elevated radon levels, but levels can vary even from home to home in the same neighborhood.
To help Ellis County residents learn more about radon, the Ellis County Extension Office will host two training programs on Friday, February 8. The noon-hour program for the general public will provide basic information about radon, its health effects, how to test and what to do about radon. The public program will begin at 12:00 noon at the Ellis County Extension Office, 601 Main Street in Hays. Bring a lunch if desired, beverages will be provided.
A four-hour training course for professionals will follow on February 8 from 1:30 to 5:30 pm, also at the Extension Office meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays. This in-depth course will provide continuing education credit for real estate professionals and radon measurement and mitigation professionals. The cost for the professional training is $5.00 for materials and refreshments. The guest speaker for both programs is Brian Hanson, the Kansas Radon Program coordinator at Kansas State University Extension Engineering.
Pre-registration for both radon classes is requested by February 1st. A minimum attendance is needed for each class to be held. Call the Ellis County Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email to [email protected].
The only way to know if there is radon in a home is to test. An inexpensive radon screening kit is available for $5.50 at the Ellis County Extension Office. Winter is the best time for testing.
Radon is an environmental health hazard that you can act against. Why ignore it? Plan to attend these radon training classes to learn more.