Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and is very prevalent in Kentucky and has negative health effects. According to the Kentucky Geological Survey Website, most of the Monroe County area shows danger levels 4.01-8.0 of radon.

The Monroe County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent presented the program, Radon in Kentucky, to the Monroe County Homemakers for a monthly homemaker leader lesson. Before the lesson, the participants were not aware of the prevalence of radon levels in their county or the effects that radon has on health. The lesson discussed the dangers of radon and what kind of health effects radon can cause such as breathing radon is dangerous and is known as the second leading cause of lung cancer. The lesson also included how to check and find out if your home has radon and how to get the radon removed from your home.  The Monroe County Health Department provided home testing radon kits for the participants to see what a radon test looked like and instructions on how to use it. The participants were introduced to the website Kentucky Geological Survey that provided maps to view the radon levels in Kentucky and in Monroe County.

After the lesson and viewing the Kentucky Geological Survey maps, 100 percent of the participants were aware of the danger levels of radon in Kentucky and their county. The participants were concerned and wanted to help get the information out about radon awareness to family and friends and to encourage everyone about getting their homes checked and protected.