KELLOGG — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare began monitoring radon test results more than 20 years ago. In that timespan, the IDHW has discovered nearly 40 percent of Idaho homes tested for radon have higher than recommended levels of the naturally occurring radioactive gas. In fact, high radon levels have been found in homes in every Idaho county.

In Shoshone County, more than 51 percent of the homes tested had high levels of radon, as do our neighbors to the west in Kootenai County.

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas formed from natural deposits of uranium and radium in Idaho soils. It is drawn into homes and buildings through gaps and cracks in crawl spaces and foundations. High levels can expose you and your family to radiation that can damage your lungs and increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

“The good news is that it is easy and inexpensive for Idaho homeowners to test their home for radon levels,” said Colby Adams, environmental health director for IDHW’s Division of Public Health. “Radon test kits are just $9.95, so Idaho homeowners can find out if their home has high radon levels and take steps to fix a problem to protect themselves and their family.”

Radon tests are most accurate during the winter, as residents are less likely to have their air conditioners running or their windows open for long periods of time, and with the extra winter weather the region has received, it may be a good idea to test for the hot summer months.

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes 21,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it.

Testing is relatively simple, requiring only that a user open a package and place the small measuring device in the home for a few days.

For more information call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1.