The McDonough and Schuyler County Health Departments announce that January is National
Radon Action Month. 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.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. for non-smokers and the second leading cause for
smokers. Scientists estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year are
related to radon, according to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. 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 238 homes across
McDonough & Schuyler counties tested, 50% had radon levels above the recommended 4 pCi/L level for taking
action. Local resident performed tests in 2021 show that 38% 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 and Schuyler County Health
Departments at the reduced price of $7.50 (regularly $15) during the month of January.
The McDonough and Schuyler County Health Departments urge residents to take action during this year’s
National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for elevated levels of radon. 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 or the Schuyler County Health Department at (217) 322-6775.
