AUGUSTA — Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers according to the Surgeon General and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In an effort to spread the word about radon, its effects and where it is found, January has been designated as National Radon Action Month.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has partnered with Spruce Environmental Technologies to provide low-cost professional radon training courses to interested Maine residents. Registration continues through the end of the month.

Classes will be held Wednesday to Friday, Feb. 8 to 10, at 100 Waterman Drive, South Portland, funded in part by grants received from the EPA. A two-day class in residential radon measurement at a cost of $99 (regularly $299) and a one-day class in radon in water ($79, regularly $185), provide the minimum training needed to register to conduct radon testing in Maine

Radon can be found at high levels in many homes and is often found in areas with a lot of granite. Pinette said that home inspectors, contractors and real estate professionals can benefit from learning more about radon testing and how to reduce radon levels..

For more information, or for a list of trained and licensed radon professionals, visit the Maine Radon Homepage at www.maineradiationcontrol.org.