Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer among smokers. Over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are caused by radon exposure.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that occurs naturally in the soil.
“With the presence of radon in this geographic area, we encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and test for radon in their homes,” stated Mary Cooper, Madison County Health Department Environmental Health Manager.
Produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in rock formations, Radon typically enters a home by moving up from the soil and through cracks and holes in the foundation. Things such as sump pits, foundation cracks, gaps in suspended floors, construction joints and exposed soil in crawl spaces are areas where radon may find a route into a home.
Although a much smaller risk, radon can also enter a home through water obtained from the ground, such as from water wells. Once inside a home, radon gas can build up and create a hazard.
The only way for homeowners to know if radon is present is to test for it. Radon problems can be fixed and usually cost about the same as common home repairs, the Madison County Health Department said.
The Department has Radon test kits for $5 each, including all testing fees and pre-paid postage to mail the kit for results. County residents can come to the Madison County Health Department to buy radon test kits during regular business hours at 101 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River, IL 62095.
If a test kit is bought from the Madison County Health Department, a staff member will provide assistance with instructions for using the test kit and information regarding radon, radon measurement, and radon mitigation.
If a radon test results show a high level of radon in a home, the Madison County Health Department can provide a list of licensed radon measurement professionals and licensed radon mitigation professionals for follow-up.
As of Jan. 1, 2013, legislation went into effect in Illinois requiring that all licensed daycares be tested for radon. As of Jan. 1, 2014, as part of both initial and renewal licensing processes for daycares, proof of testing for radon is required.
For more information about the MCHD Radon test kits, call (618) 692-8954 x 3.
For more information about radon, visit our website at www.madisonchd.org/environmental-health_radon.shtml or IEMA at www.radon.illinois.gov.
