Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is release by the decay of uranium, a naturally-occurring rock in our soil. When radon is released, it can seep through cracks in the foundation of our homes. Exposure to this deadly gas can lead to lung cancer.
The only way to know if your home is safe is to test the radon levels. Test kits can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores. They are simple to use and relatively inexpensive. If your home has unsafe levels of radon, there are radon reduction systems that are effective and not too costly. To learn more about testing your home, view our map of radon in Illinois and check our list of radon resources.
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is active in advocating for awareness of radon and stricter regulations on radon in Illinois. Successes include:
- Illinois Radon Awareness Act 2008, which requires people who are selling their homes in Illinois to disclose results of radon testing and provide homebuyers with radon information.
- School radon testing bill, which that recommends that every school building in Illinois be tested for radon every five years. School districts must then notify parents and faculty of the test results.
- Radon-resistant building codes task force, a statewide task force to make recommendations concerning the adoption of building code rules for radon. Respiratory Health Association's Elieen Lowery, manager for lung cancer and lung health initiatives, has been named to this task force.
