The Walworth County Division of Public Health is offering $5 radon test kits throughout Radon Action Month in January to anyone who donates a non-perishable food item. There is a limit of one kit per person. All food donations will go to the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank.

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that is the nation’s second leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for roughly 20,000 deaths each year. Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services indicates that about 6 in 10 homes in Walworth County have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action limit. “January is the ideal time to see if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” said Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.

Testing is offered locally through the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center, funded through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Normally, the cost is $15 per kit.

The test kit includes a small vial that must be left open to the air in the lowest livable level of a home — usually the basement — for 48 to 96 hours. The vial is then capped and mailed to Accustar Labs, which generally provides the results via mail, email, or telephone within three days. Shipping and analysis of the kit are included in the $5 price.

Those whose homes test at an elevated level of radon are encouraged to contact the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center for more information about mitigation options.

The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable January 1 to 31, 2024, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn.