This news item expired on Friday, February 23, 2018 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. It is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings. Buncombe County has some of the highest radon levels in the state.
Short term test kits are available from a variety of sources for approximately $15. The North Carolina Radon Program has a list of online retailers, and test kits are also available at home improvement stores.
It is important to follow the directions on the kit carefully to ensure accurate results. More information about radon is available from the NC Radon program at www.ncradon.org.