Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. once again declared January "Radon Action Month" in Utah.

"Exposure to indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States," said John Hultquist, manager of the radon program for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

He noted that tests are advisable in Utah, where elevated levels of radon gas can occur in three out of every 10 homes.

"Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon," he said.

Radon is a radioactive gas and a natural decay product of uranium that is released from rock, soil, and water. It has no color, odor or taste.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as carcinogen, blaming about 21,000 deaths each year from radon-induced lung cancer in the United States.

Radon test kits are inexpensive. They can be ordered on the DEQ web site, www.radon.utah.gov, at a discount during January.

Those who would like more information about January's radon educational activities, hiring radon-certified professionals or how to test your home can also call 800-458-0145.