With more thatn 20,000 deaths each year, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers.  Approximately 45% of Hancock County homes that were tested during 2008 had elevated radon levels.  In light of these concerns, the EPA hgas designated January 2009 as National Radon Action Month. 

The Hancock County Health Department along with the other five Health Departments in the northern panhandle have received a grant to provide free radon test kits to residents to enable them to test their homes for this deadly gas at no cost.

Residents can obtain free radon test kits by picking one up at the Hancock County Health Department during the hours of 8:00 AM thru 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday.  To get further information about the radon program, please contact Jolene Zuros, RS, MS, Sanitarian Supervisor at (304) 564-3343, EXT 14.