MASON CITY – Through March, the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health (CG Public Health) is offering free at-home radon test kits to those living in Cerro Gordo County to assist residents in identifying potential risks. CG Public Health’s special initiative is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas and encourage residents to test their homes. Residents are encouraged to visit CG Public Health to pick up one free test kit per household.
Radon, a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the 2023 State of Lung Cancer report, Iowa ranks as the 12th worst state in the country for new lung cancer cases. In 2023, Iowa reported approximately 61 new cases of lung cancer per 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average of 54 cases per 100,000 individuals. Alarmingly, it is estimated that upwards of 70% of homes in Iowa have elevated radon levels.
Tim Hitchcock, Environmental Health Specialist at CG Public Health, emphasized the importance of testing stating: “Breathing in high levels of radon over time can raise your risk of lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test.”
To participate in the initiative and obtain your free radon test kit, stop by CG Public Health today!
