October 18-24, 2020 is National Radon Action Week. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, it can be harmful at elevated levels. Scientific data suggests that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. for non-smokers and the second leading cause for smokers. According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health,there are 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year related to radon. In Illinois alone, nearly 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur annually.Radon test data from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) shows that of 233homes across McDonough County tested, 50% had radon levels above the recommended 4 pCi/L level for taking action. Local resident performed tests in 2019-2020show that 18of 39(46%) tested at or above the 4pCi/L action level. Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. And, if discovered, a radon problem can be fixed with a mitigation system. Check IEMA’s website for licensed radon professionals serving your area. Radon test kits that meet EPA guidelines are available at the McDonough County Health Department at the reduced price of $7.50(regularly $15) during the month of October. The McDonough County Health Department urges residents to take action during this year’s National Radon Action Week by testing their homes for elevated levels of radon. Only 56% of radon tests sold by the Health Department in 2019-2020have been used.Act now(before your test expires) in observance of Radon Action Week! It is a serious public health hazard with a straightforward solution. For more information on radon, call the McDonough County Health Department at (309) 837-9951
