DARLINGTON — Testing is the only way to know what the radon level is in a home, and free kits are available at the Lafayette County Health Department, 729 Clay Street, Darlington.

Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, but indoor air is not always safe. 

One of the most serious health hazards found in indoor air is completely invisible. It is an odorless, colorless gas called radon. This gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year. 

Radon occurs naturally in the soil and accumulates in homes, especially during the winter months. High radon levels have been found in every state and in every type of house. In Southwest Wisconsin, past testing has shown that in some areas 30 percent of homes have elevated radon levels. 

Making repairs to eliminate radon gas can be simple and affordable. A typical radon problem can be solved for less than $1,500. 

For more information, contact the Lafayette County Health Department at 608-776-4895.