October 17-24, 2024, 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.
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.
In a study released by the Illinois Emergency Agency, 42% of homes tested in Illinois had elevated levels of radon. In McDonough County, the average indoor radon levels, as determined by radon test results, are 5.3 pCi/L which is 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. 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 act during this year’s National Radon Action Week by testing their homes for elevated levels of radon to celebrate 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.
***Courtesy of the McDonough County Health Department***
