Stearns County Environmental Services and Stearns County Public Health are giving away free Radon testing kits on a first come first serve basis starting Thursday, February 20.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, this odorless, radioactive gas is the largest environmental cancer risk, and the second biggest cause of lung cancer next to smoking, with over 21,000 deaths each year.

Radon forms naturally in the ground and can enter homes through cracks and openings in basement or foundations floors and walls. MDH estimates that one in three existing Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose health problems after years of exposure.

Stearns County Environmental Health Division Supervisor Hank Schreifels says test kits are limited and will only be available for pick up in person, in Melrose on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 20 from 8:00 a.m. to noon or by appointment. The kits will also be available at the Waite Park Service Center on Friday, February 21.

For more information, contact the Stearns County Service Center in Waite at 320-203-6942 or the Stearns County Environmental Services office in Melrose at 320-256-1422.