According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon gets into the air you breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in the foundation. Radon gas is not visible and has no odor or taste. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, estimated to cause thousands of deaths annually. 

All of Barren County is considered to be in the Danger Zone for Radon with some parts of the County being in the More Danger and Most Danger Zones. Because of this, it is important to educate individuals and families of the risk as well as help them find resources and ways to get their homes tested. 

While the Mammoth Cave Area Agents made plans to offer the Radon in KY program to Area Homemakers, the Barren County agent for Family and Consumer Sciences decided to expand the program and provide a more in depth training and discussion for anyone who wanted to attend. 

Before the program, participants were given an opportunity to share their level of understanding on Radon. After the program, one hundred percent of participants reported an increase of knowledge in understanding Radon’s effect on their health and how to test their homes for radon. Ninety three percent of participants reported an increase in knowledge on the definition of radon and its prevalence in Kentucky. Eighty six percent plan to test their home for radon.