Free radon testing kits available

Greene County News

XENIA — Miami Valley residents can get free radon test kits to check their homes for elevated radon levels.

The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and local health departments, is offering the free radon test kits for Greene County homeowners.

Radon is a colorless, odorless soil gas that can build up in homes and may increase the risk of lung cancer, according to Greene County Public Health. The ODH estimates about half of Ohio families live in homes with elevated radon levels.

Last year, more than 400 residents throughout the Miami Valley tested their homes for radon with free test kits provided by a grant from ODH. Testing is the only way to know if elevated levels exist in a home, so ODH recommends all homes be tested, regardless of age, location or construction type. Elevated indoor radon levels can be corrected with the installation of a ventilation system.

Greene County homeowners interested in testing their home can can pick up a free test coupon at Greene County Public Health, 360 Wilson Drive, Xenia.

Those who live outside of Greene County wanting to obtain a testing kit are encouraged to call the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency at 937-225-4898 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Those who do are asked to include a name, phone number and an address where the kit can be mailed.

More radon information is available online at rapca.org, epa.gov/radon or radon.utoledo.edu.

Content provided by Greene County Public Health.