Radon is a radioactive and odorless gas that comes from trace amounts of natural uranium in the ground. Radon seeps through cracks and openings in the basement and foundation of homes. Breathing indoor air with high level of radon can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

Five to ten percent of the homes in Wisconsin have elevated radon levels on the main floor. Systems can be installed to reduce radon levels. The EPA recommends that you fix your home if your radon level is found to be 4 picocuries per liter or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced. Homes with high levels are found in all regions of Wisconsin, including Calumet County. The levels can vary greatly within neighborhoods.

Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. To obtain a low cost test kit, contact the State of Wisconsin Regional Radon Information Center at 920-683-4454. For information on local radon levels by zip code, how to test, the health risk, and how to reduce radon in a house, look at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services website at lowradon.org

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