About the program
Extension's Radon Education Program is funded through an EPA grant to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The program offers literature, maps, educational presentations, and low-cost radon test kits.
Call 775-336-0254 for assistance in locating your nearest office.
About radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no odor, color, or taste and comes from the soil. Radon gas moves through the soil into the air, where it harmlessly spreads in outdoor air or enters buildings through the foundation and becomes trapped inside. When it enters a building and gets trapped inside, high levels can cause lung cancer.
Radon is a carcinogen, a substance known to cause cancer in humans. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. More than 21,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. Not everyone exposed to radon will get lung cancer, but the greater the radon level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. Mining studies show extended periods of exposure to low levels of radon over a long period of time caused lung cancer.
All homes, offices, schools, and preschools should be tested for radon.
For more information, read A Citizen's Guide to Radon (an EPA publication)