Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. As many as 1,160 Illinois citizens are estimated to develop radon related lung cancer annually.
A colorless, odorless radioactive gas, Radon can be found in homes. It comes from naturally occurring uranium in the soil. Most radon enters a home because of air pressure and temperature differences between the home and the outside air. When air is vented from buildings by natural or powered ventilation, radon and other soil gases are drawn in from the surrounding soil through openings between the house and soil. The only way to tell how much radon you have in your house is to test for it.
The cold weather in January allows our closed, heated homes to be accurately tested for Radon. Testing kits may be purchased from the Will County Health Department for $8.00. Radon testing can be done at any time, but January remains the best time.