January marks National Radon Action Month in Illinois, highlighting the dangers of radon—a radioactive gas responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are raising awareness that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Since radon is colorless and odorless, only testing can determine if levels are unsafe in homes. Residents can now purchase affordable test kits for $15 at health department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Homes testing above EPA action levels should seek guidance on mitigation, with more details available at henrystarkhealth.com.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes, “It really doesn’t matter where you live in Illinois or what type of home you live in, because we’ve seen excessive radon in every county in Illinois, and in every type of home – old, new, with basements, with a crawlspace or on a slab.” Tucker adds, “Radon gas is found in 66% of homes in Henry County and 92% of homes in Stark County.