The Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month. According to the EPA, Iowa has the highest average radon concentrations in the country. The naturally occurring odorless, colorless radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Dave Manly owns Manly’s Construction in Kalona and has been removing radon from local homes for nearly a decade. He says during that time he’s worked on a number of homes owned by individuals dealing with lung cancer caused by radon.

He explains radon mitigation involves sealing the spots allowing radon in, drilling holes and installing a pipe and a fan to pump the gas out. He adds it’s even easier when the equipment is installed when a home is being built.

To learn more, listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.

Tests that detect unsafe levels of radon are available from Washington County Environmental Health. To learn more about testing, click here.