Press Release
Radon Action Month, observed in January each year, is aimed at raising awareness about radon gas and its health risks. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) works to educate the public about radon, how it is formed, where it can be found, and the health risks associated with any exposure. Many people are unaware of radon and its dangers, so this month provides an opportunity to share important information.
“Radon is present in every home and building. The only way to determine the radon levels in each home and building is through testing,” states Sarah Minnick, Program Manager at SWNPHD. “Nebraska has a very high rate of radon in homes. Around half the homes in Nebraska that are tested for radon get a result that is higher than the safety level.”
Homes are more at risk for radon exposure when:
- There are cracks or fissures in the concrete foundations
- There are open spaces around sump pumps or other pipes
- They are poorly ventilated
- They have open dirt areas, such as crawl spaces
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing homes for radon every two years. Radon test kits can be purchased at most hardware stores or online, and residents of the nine-county health district can stop by SWNPHD offices in McCook or Ogallala for a free Radon Test Kit. SWNPHD gave out just under 50 radon test kits to residents during 2025.
For homes that register elevated radon levels, a licensed radon professional can help with mitigation. Radon mitigation is the process used to decrease radon levels within a home. The Nebraska Radon Resistant New Construction Act was passed in 2019, meaning that all new construction must have radon-resistant features, which has helped to lower radon exposure in Nebraska.
For more information on radon, contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Our website, swhealth.ne.gov, contains many resources and additional information that are helpful to prevent disease, promote healthy habits, and protect health. Follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves nine counties including Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.