Health officials recommend testing home for radon - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Health officials are encouraging people to test their homes for radon.

It's an invisible odorless gas caused by uranium in the soil that can create serious health problems. Health officials say radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking

Officials say radon levels can be high in many areas across the state, but particularly in Marathon County, due to the amount of granite in the area.

"Everybody, especially in Marathon County, should check their houses," said Steve Garbacz, radon mitigation specialist, Abatron Engineering owner. "Just because your neighbor has low radon, doesn't mean that you will.

You can pick up a home radon test kit at the health department or a hardware store.

Removing radon from your home can be expensive, but experts say it can save your live. They recommend installing a system that pumps the gas out and away from the home.