The Grand Traverse County Health Department is hosting a "Give a Can, Get a Kit" promotion in January, offering a free radon test kit in exchange for the donation of a non-perishable item for a food pantry.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Because radon can't be smelled, seen, or tasted, testing is the only way to detect elevated levels in a home. Testing every two years is recommended, since homes can settle and slight foundation cracks can change radon levels. Elevated levels of radon are estimated to be present in 13 percent of Grand Traverse County homes; however, levels can be reduced with the installation of a radon reduction system.

"In the winter, when windows stay closed all the time, radon can rise to especially high levels in a home," says Dan Thorell, environmental health director for the Health Department. "If you breathe the gas, it will increase your chances for developing lung cancer."

Kits can be picked up - and donations dropped off - at the enviromental health division of the Health Department at 2650 LaFranier Road Monday-Friday from 8am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm through the end of the month.