January is Radon Action Month. This is the message from the Illinois Emergency Management agency. The IEMA says that now is the timem to test your home for radon as most radon health related risks are preventable with a simple home detection test.
Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is part of a breakdown of uranium and radium in the soil and is odorless, colorless,tasteless, and a gas. It is found all over the US and is in the air that we breathe in buildings, homes, and offices. If it is not taken care of it can cause major health concerns. According to the IEMA more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year.
IEMA alongside the American Lung Assocation in Illinois are teaming up to increase public awareness of radon risks and ways to reduce radon exposure. A new statewide contest will feature Illinois High School Students that should create a 30 second commercial style video while the Radon Poster Contest asks middle school students to make a poster encouraging people to test their homes for Radon.
For more information please visit IEMA's radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov. You can also get more information at IEMA's Radon hotoline at 1-800-325-1245.
