News
Allen County Department of Health Offering Free Test Kits for National Radon Action Month
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="e89592fd-f75d-40cd-96e4-8a7c7f0e9893" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o-mini">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
<p>In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the Allen County Department of Health is providing free radon test kits to help residents assess the safety of their homes. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that, when undetected, can pose serious health risks.</p>
<h2>What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?</h2>
<p>Radon is produced when uranium breaks down in the soil and seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation. It is a leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the U.S., and it can be particularly dangerous because it is odorless and invisible.</p>
<p>According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is found in homes across the country, with one in 15 homes in the U.S. having elevated levels of the gas. In Indiana, nearly one in three homes have radon levels that are above the recommended safety threshold.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9369" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Allen-County-Health-Department-radon-testing-materials.jpg" alt="Allen County Health Department radon testing materials" width="579" height="286" /></p>
<h2>The Risks of Long-Term Exposure</h2>
<p>Exposure to radon can be harmful over time, and its effects may not be immediately noticeable. “It’s going to take years of living in the same home at exposed levels of elevated radon to develop things, and by the time you notice any symptoms, it’s going to be too late,” said Jessica Dilling, an Environmental Health Specialist with the Allen County Department of Health. “That’s why it’s so critical to test your home regularly for radon.”</p>
<h2>Free Test Kits Available</h2>
<p>To raise awareness and help prevent radon exposure, the Allen County Department of Health is offering free test kits. Residents can request a kit by calling 260-449-7459 or emailing <a rel="noopener">info@allencountyhealth.com</a>. The kits are available while supplies last, so interested individuals are encouraged to act quickly.</p>
<p>In addition to the free kits, radon test kits are also available for purchase at local hardware stores or through the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-767-7236.</p>
<h2>Testing Your Home for Radon</h2>
<p>Testing for radon is simple and affordable, and it’s the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. By taking the test, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their families from the long-term risks of radon exposure.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>