A scheduled presentation of information on radon and radon gas testing will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Webster County Extension and Outreach office, 217 S. 25th St., Suite C12, to better help communities comprehend the dangers of radon and ways to mitigate the danger.

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the ground. It accumulates in homes and can cause lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and is a serious public health problem. According to the EPA, the entire state of Iowa is considered at high risk for radon gas in homes. High levels of radon can be found in any type of home, so it is important for everyone to test their home. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

This type of lung cancer is preventable, but the only way to know if a home has elevated levels of radon is to conduct a test.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Webster County invites you to join in a discussion with Kapil Arora, extension agricultural engineering specialist, on radon testing, results of radon testing and how different mitigation strategies may be helpful.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but preregistration is appreciated. Call the Extension office at 515-576-2119 or email lcline@iastate.edu to sign up.