Community Radon Prevention Event-April 15

Kearney, NE--CHI Health Good Samaritan and Two Rivers Public Health Department are hosting a free cancer prevention event for the community from noon to 1 pm and 5:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday, April 15 in the hospital’s Kearney Public Library in the South Platte Room. “Understanding Radon: Facts and Awareness” explores the basics of this common cancer-causing gas found in most homes and how to fix the problem.

This program will teach participants to:
-Understand what radon is, where it comes from, and its risks for causing lung cancer.
-Explain why everyone should test for radon and describe how to do it.
-Understand how radon comes into a home, and how to fix homes to reduce radon exposure.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year. Every home should be tested for the colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that has been found in high amounts in homes in every state. 

Free radon detection kits for the home will be available at the event. Pre-registration is not required.

For more information, contact the Good Samaritan Cancer Center at (308) 398-8912.

More about radon from the American Lung Association: click here.

Exposure to radon causes no immediate symptoms, but the long-term threat of lung cancer is important to everyone. Thousands of lung cancer deaths could be avoided each year if home and building owners acted to test and fix.

Radon enters a building through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. As it decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled and in dangerous amounts can cause lung cancer. Your home can have elevated levels of radon while your neighbor's home does not. 

Testing is the only way to know if radon is a problem in your home. Radon testing is easy and low cost, and it could save your life.