(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) said it will provide free radon home testing kits for Radon Action Month. January is Radon Action Month, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of radon--a colorless, odorless radioactive gas created from the decay of uranium in the soil that can make its way into homes and buildings. According to PDPHE, in Colorado, about half the homes have radon levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended levels. A person exposed to radon over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer, and radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. PDPHE, thanks to a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, has purchased 400 radon test kits. Those interested can pick one up from PDPHE located at 101 West 9th Street while supplies last. According to PDPHE, the primary method to reduce radon levels is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. It is known as a soil suction radon reduction system and does not require major changes to the home.