The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s radon education program is offering educational presentations at various locations across the state during January in recognition of it being National Radon Action Month.

Free test kits will also be available at the presentations.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It comes from the ground and can accumulate in homes, raising the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-caused lung cancer, killing more people than secondhand smoke, drunken driving, falls in the home, drowning or house fires.

In Nevada, one in four homes tested show radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level. According to experts, living in a home with radon concentrations at the action level poses as much risk of developing lung cancer as smoking about half a pack of cigarettes a day.

Scheduled presentations are:

• Jan. 9 – North Valleys Library, 1075 N. Hills Blvd. No. 340, Reno, at 11am
• Jan. 12 – Sierra View Library, 4001 S. Virginia St., Reno, at 4pm
• Jan. 13 – South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno, at 6pm
• Jan. 20 – Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive, Reno, at 5:30pm
• Jan. 25 – Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Drive, Carson City, at 6pm
• Jan. 26 – Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market St., Stateline, at 6pm
• Jan. 27 – CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden, at 6pm
• Jan. 28 – Incline Village GID Public Works, 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, at 6pm.