January is National Radon Action Month, and DHEC is encouraging all South Carolinians to test their homes for radon. You can request a free home test kit by clicking here.  

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.  

Any home can have a radon problem. The only way to determine if your home is trapping radon gas is to test. 

Quick Facts about Radon: 

• Breathing in radon can change the cells in your lungs, which increases your chances for lung cancer. 
• Radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. 
• Smokers who are exposed to radon have a much higher risk of lung cancer. 
• Elevated radon concentrations have been found across South Carolina. 
• Homes can be modified to reduce radon levels. 
• New homes can be built with radon-resistant features. 
• South Carolina has nationally-certified professionals who can fix homes with elevated radon levels. 

The South Carolina Radon Program provides a radon test kit to homeowners free of charge. To learn more about radon or request your free home test kit, please click here.