Rusk radon levels is prompting the concern of health officials

The Rusk County Health Department is encouraging Rusk County residents, especially those living in the Blue Hills area, to take advantage of the opportunity to test for radon gas in their homes.

The test kit is available from the department and is free of charge.

Initial test results show a number of elevated levels in homes in the Blue Hills area north of U.S. 8 and west of Wis. 27, which officials say is most likely due to the granite gravel soils, ridges, and related characteristics of ground in that area.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no smell or taste and may be in your home right now. Exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

More of this story appears in the Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, issue of the Ladysmith News.