January is Radon Education Month and the Jackson County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension is offering free testing kits for homeowners to assess the level of radon in their homes. Homeowners may pick up free kits at the Cooperative Extension Office in Suite 205 of the Community Service Center in Sylva.

Should a home have elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many other home repairs.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings.

For more information on radon and to receive your free radon test kit, contact your Cooperative Extension Office at 828.586.4009.