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Region 5 Radon Stakeholder Forum/Workshop
Radon Leaders Saving Lives
April 10-11, 2008
Columbus, OH, Columbus Convention Center
Test Your Home for Radon
The American Lung Association of Illinois urges all homeowners to test their homes for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from naturally occurring uranium in the soil. The greatest exposure to radon is in the home. Radon enters the home through cracks and other pathways found in the home's foundation. Any home can have radon, regardless if the home is new or old.
Radon is a known human carcinogen that can contribute to lung cancer. The USEPA estimates that 13% of all cancer deaths are radon related. The remaining 87% of lung cancer deaths are linked to tobacco smoking. Individuals who smoke are at an even higher risk of lung cancer from radon because of radon's ability to attach itself to the smoke particles.
The only way to tell how much radon is in your home is to test for it. The American Lung Association of Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is currently offering free test kits to Illinois residents. By testing your home for radon, you are taking a step toward a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
To Request a Radon Test Kit CLICK HERE
*Note* Test kits will be provided while supplies last. |
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Additional Radon Resources
 
List of Licensed Mitigation and Measurement Professionals
List of Professionals Licensed for Schools and Commercial Buildings
Radon Publications
Take Action on Radon
What You Should Know About Radon Gas Before You Take Drastic Measures
In November of 2007, a national television show featured a family living in a home with elevated levels of radon gas. Radon gas poses a serious health threat at certain levels, but the threat can be alleviated with proven and effective mitigation systems. The producers of the television program, however; decided to take a more dramatic approach to the problem…they detonated the house with explosives.
Unfortunately, the television show left a lasting impression on how to deal with radon gas. Even with this drastic measure, they still had to install a mitigation system in the newly reconstructed home to alleviate the radon problem.
The American Lung Association is taking the opportunity to educate the public on the principles of Radon testing and mitigation by taking humorous look at this action. Please take a look at our fun video response by clicking on the video image at the top of this page.
For more information on radon or for a free radon test kit please contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA.
RADON FACTS:
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that occurs in nature from the breakdown of uranium. Radon is found throughout all areas of the country. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest warns citizens that "The radioactive properties of radon can cause lung cancer, and if you are a smoker, the risk of getting lung cancer is increased. The American Lung Association is providing free radon test kits for Illinois citizens and homeowners should test for radon at least every two years". The simple-to-use radon test kit is placed in the lowest livable level of the home for a specified amount of time and mailed, free of charge, to a laboratory for analysis. If the test shows levels of radon above 4 picocuries per liter, a simple mitigation system can be installed that effectively removes the radon gas. The State of Illinois requires mitigation professionals to be licensed by the State.
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