Photo belongs to Tidal Health

November is known as Lung Cancer Awareness Month as the Dallas County Health Department reviews ways to test for radon, which is a contributing gas for lung cancer.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters tells Raccoon Valley Radio that smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer. However, she points out that radon is another contributing risk factor for developing the disease. Peters comments that radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is common within the state of Iowa, and explains the dangers plus the advantages of a testing kit.

“You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, so testing your home is really the only way to know if you have high radon levels. The test kit will include directions for how to properly test your home or business (for radon), so you should get an accurate reading.”

Peters describes that radon testing kits are available at the Dallas County Health Department, 25747 N. Avenue, in Adel for $8, purchased online, or at most home improvement stores.