Oregon health officials released new findings Tuesday, showing high levels of radon in many parts of the state. Radon is an invisible, naturally-occurring gas that can cause lung cancer.
The Oregon Health Authority found high levels in such places as Northeast Portland, Boring, North Plains, and La Grande.
But the state's radon program coordinator, Brett Sherry, says even if you live in a low-risk area, you could have a radon problem: "There have been very high results found in what's labeled as a low potential, and there's been very low levels found in what's considered high potential. The take-home message that we have for folks is that every house should be tested regardless of where it's located."
The Health Authority gets its data from companies that conduct radon tests in Oregon homes. Oregon is offering free tests to people who live in places where officials need more information to determine the risk. A separate study has found high radon risks throughout Clark County, Washington.
To see radon risk level maps and zip code tables click here.
Copyright 2015 Oregon Public Broadcasting
