County Health Departments are urging residents to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas in soil. Radon infiltrates buildings, posing a cancer risk when inhaled.
Detectable only through testing, it's recommended during cold months with sealed windows and doors. Radon is Illinois' second-leading cause of lung cancer, affecting over 1,160 people annually, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the radon action level at 4 picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/L). If exceeded, corrective measures like vent pipes and fans are advised, with costs varying by method and building size.

County health departments offer free radon test kits, with a 61.4% usage rate in 2023. 

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