INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — January is National Radon Action Month, and the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering presentations at various state locations across the state, including Incline Village.

Free test kits for homes will also be available at the presentations, according to a news release.

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that comes from the ground. It accumulates in homes and can cause lung cancer.

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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.

Radon-caused lung cancer is preventable. A simple three-day test can determine if a house has a radon problem, and winter is an ideal time to test a home for radon, according to UNCE.

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

Following is a list of upcoming presentations:

Jan. 13:Washoe County Cooperative Extension, 4955 Energy Way, Reno, at 6 p.m.

Jan. 14: South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno, at 6 p.m.

Jan. 15: Kahle Community Center, 236 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, at 6 p.m.

Jan. 17: Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive, Reno, at 10 a.m.

Jan. 20: Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks, at 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 21: North Valleys Library, 1075 N. Hills Blvd. #340, Reno, at 6 p.m.

Jan. 27: Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Drive, Carson City, at 6 p.m.

Jan. 29: CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden, at 6 p.m.

Feb. 4: Incline Village GID Public Works, 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, at 6 p.m.

For those who cannot attend a presentation, free radon test kits will also be available through Feb. 28 at UNCE offices and partner offices statewide.

The Nevada Radon Education Program is a program of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and is funded by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

Since it began in 2007, more than 36,000 radon test kits have been distributed and more than 18,000 homes have been tested.

For information, visit the Nevada Radon Education Program website at http://www.RadonNV.com or call the Radon Hotline at 888-RADON10 (888-723-6610).