In South Dakota , lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths with a death rate of 36.2 per 100,000 residents . For context , prostate and breast cancer are the second and third leading cancer deaths in South Dakota at 19.1 and 18.9 deaths per 100,000 people , respectively . South Dakota ’ s lung cancer death rate ranks 23rd among all states , according to the American Lung Association .
State offers free radon testing kits
Homeowners can check the radon levels in their homes with test kits or through an official inspection of their home . Such kits can be purchased at a hardware store for under $ 20 .
The state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources also provides 500 radon tests for free a year through its air quality program .
Test kits are shipped directly to the homeowner . After the sample is collected , the homeowner can ship the completed test to a lab for free analysis . DANR also provides technical assistance on how to test for and mitigate radon , said Brian Walsh , public affairs director for the department .
( Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency )