The state Division of Environmental Health is recognizing January as Radon Action Month and encouraging people to learn more about radon exposure and its health effects.

Radon is a naturally-occurring, invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air but can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

"Nearly seven percent of homes in North Carolina have elevated levels of radon," said Terry L. Pierce, director of the Division of Environmental Health. "Approximately 21,000 deaths each year are attributed to radon-related lung cancer. Therefore, it is important to test your home for radon as radon gas poses a serious health risk."

The state's Radon Program is offering free test kits throughout this month to enable North Carolina homeowners to test their homes for elevated levels of radon. Citizens involved in real estate transactions are encouraged to use certified testing professionals to test their homes. To receive a free test kit or find a list of certified professionals, go to the Program's Web site, http://www.ncradon.org.

"Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive,"  Pierce added, "and radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors. It is the only way to determine if you and your family are being exposed to radon gas."

Although supplies are limited for the free test kits from the N.C. Radon Program, they can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores, directly from radon testing companies or through Internet test kit distributors for $25 or less.

For more information about radon or to request a free radon test kit, please visit the program's Web site at http://www.ncradon.org. You may also call Dr. Felix Fong, senior environmental radiation specialist, at (919) 571-4141, or Catherine Rosfjord, radon coordinator in western North Carolina, at (828) 274-1717.