Nearly 25 percent of homes tested in Nevada found radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering free radon test kits and educational presentations at various locations across the state.

Free test kits are available at Cooperative Extension offices and partner offices statewide from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, and will also be available at presentations.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It comes from the ground and can accumulate in homes, raising the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-caused lung cancer, killing more people than secondhand smoke, drunk driving, falls in the home, drowning or house fires.

In Nevada, one in four homes tested show radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level. According to experts, living in a home with radon concentrations at the action level poses as much risk of developing lung cancer as smoking about half a pack of cigarettes a day.

The risk of radon-caused lung cancer can be reduced. A simple three-day test can determine if a house has a radon problem, and winter is an ideal time to test a home for radon. If radon problems are found, they can be fixed.

January is radon awareness month. Here are some scheduled presentations:

Jan. 11: CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden, at 6om
Jan. 18: Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Drive, Carson City, at 6:30pm
Jan. 23: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market St., Stateline, at 6pm
Feb. 1: Incline Village GID Public Works, 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, at 6pm.