PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Rick Setty District Board of Health Mahoning County 330-270-2855 ext. 116 RSetty@mahoning-health.org
	DATE: January 26, 2005

RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE

In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the District Board of Heath-Mahoning County is announcing the availability of a limited number of radon test kits. The kits screen for the presence of radon gas in indoor air. The results can help determine the need for further testing and consideration of corrective measures. Protecting yourself against the threat of radon gas begins with testing your home.

Mahoning county residents are reminded of the serious danger that radon gas poses in our homes. The EPA estimates that radon causes about 20,000 deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. annually. Exposure to indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the decay of uranium. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Fortunately, scientists have provided tools that help protect us from radon, such as a simple test that determines the level of exposure in our homes, schools and other buildings. Testing for and measurement of this dangerous gas in the indoor air we breathe is simple, inexpensive and effective. If elevated levels are detected, there are simple, cost effective steps that can be taken to reduce concentrations to acceptable levels.

The kits will be available on a first come first served basis until the supply is exhausted. They can be obtained in the office of the Division of Environmental Health, 2^nd floor, 50 Westchester Drive, Austintown, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.