Radon Test Kit with Northern Nevada Risk Map
Radon Test Kit with Northern Nevada Risk Map

Learn how to reduce the radon health risk

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension offers free test kits at public meetings statewide

Website: www.RadonNV.com

For immediate release: Dec. 27, 2016

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension offers free test kits at public meetings statewide RENO, Nev. – January is National Radon Action Month, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering free radon test kits and educational presentations at various locations across the state. Free test kits are available at Cooperative Extension offices and partner offices statewide from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, and will also be available at the presentations. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It comes from the round and can accumulate in homes, raising the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-caused lung cancer, killing more people than secondhand smoke, drunk driving, falls in the home, drowning or house fires.

Nevada Radon Education Program
Radon Nevada Map
Radon in the home flows from the ground through floors and basements

In Nevada, one in four homes tested show radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level. According to experts, living in a home with radon concentrations at the action level poses as much risk of developing lung cancer as smoking about half a pack of cigarettes a day. The risk of radon-caused lung cancer can be reduced. A simple three-day test can determine if a house has a radon problem, and winter is an ideal time to test a home for radon. If radon problems are found, they can be fixed.

Scheduled presentations for Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Incline Village, Stateline and Minden are:

  • Jan. 7: Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive, Reno, at 1 p.m.
  • Jan. 11: CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden, at 6 p.m.
  • Jan. 12: Sparks Library, 1125 12th St., Sparks, at 6 p.m.
  • Jan. 18: Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Drive, Carson City, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 23: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market St., Stateline, at 6 p.m.
  • Jan. 24: Spanish Springs Library, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, 5:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 1: Incline Village GID Public Works, 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, at 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 8: South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno, at 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 12: Sierra View Library, 4001 S. Virginia St., Reno, at 2 p.m.

For those who cannot attend a presentation, free radon test kits are available through Feb. 28. For more information, call the Radon Hotline at 888-RADON10 (888-723- 6610) or visit the Nevada Radon Education Program website at www.RadonNV.com. Cooperative Extension, the EPA and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health urge all Nevadans to test their homes for radon.

The Nevada Radon Education Program is a program of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and is funded by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Since the program began in 2007, more than 23,000 homes have been tested in Nevada.

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University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is the unit of the University of Nevada, Reno that is engaged in Nevada communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. It is a county-state- federal partnership providing practical education to people, businesses and communities.

Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities by U.S. News and World Report and is steadily growing in enrollment, excellence and reputation. The University serves more than 21,000 students. Part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the University is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Wolf Pack Athletics. Through a commitment to world- improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world.

Links:

Contact:

  • Susan Howe

    • Program Director
    • Nevada Radon Education Program
    • University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
    • 4955 Energy Way
    • Reno, Nevada 89502
    • 775-336-0248
    • www.RadonNV.com
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Reno Sparks Neighborhoods consists of volunteers who team up with other groups in person and use the cloud to collaborate on community building projects.