Elko County proclaims January 2026 National Radon Action Month; free test kits distributed

The Elko County Commission voted to proclaim January 2026 as National Radon Action Month and urged residents to test their homes for radon, a colorless, odorless gas linked to lung cancer.

Commissioner Kerr read the board’s proclamation, citing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates and noting that even neighboring homes can register different radon levels. "Testing is the only way to detect elevated radon levels in homes," said Jill Tingey, extension educator for the University of Nevada, Reno Extension's Elko County office, who told the board free test kits are available at 30 pickup locations and at the Extension office at 701 Walnut Street.

Tingey described testing options — short-term kits, longer-term monitors and a digital radon meter checkout — and recommended residents test on the lowest level of the home they occupy rather than, for example, a granite countertop that can give ‘‘inflated results.’’ Commissioners discussed mitigation resources and local contractors; Tingey said certified mitigators are listed on the Extension website.

The board moved and approved the proclamation by voice vote. Chair [name withheld by transcript] thanked Tingey for attending and noted the county will work to publicize testing and mitigation resources.

The proclamation directs staff to publicize kit availability and to encourage testing; there was no formal vote tally recorded beyond the voice approval at the meeting.