• Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of articles on radon awareness in Kane County.

Kane County homes are at risk for higher levels of radon because of the quality of Illinois soil.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally during the breakdown of uranium. Radon cannot be seen or smelled, and testing is the only way to know the levels of exposure in your home. Radon gas will enter a home or building through small cracks in the foundation and can expose people to the radiation. In the winter, when homes are shut-up tight to stay warm, there is potential for higher levels of lingering radon.

A high radon level requiring action is greater than 4.0 picocuries. The average level for Kane County is 5.2.

This January, the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is promoting Radon Awareness through coordinated efforts. Partners include the Kane County Safety Coalition, the Kane County Radon Speakers Bureau, the Kane County Health Department and 12  home improvement stores. Radon is among the Healthy Homes Campaign focus areas this year as these departments and organizations help inform county residents about the ways they can prevent harmful environmental exposures right in their own homes.

Radon Facts & Tips

• Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless radioactive gas.
• Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking.
• A high Radon level requiring action is greater than 4.0 picocuries and the average level for Kane County is 5.2.
• For all houses tested, 2 of 5 homes had results greater than 4.0 picocuries.
• Test your homes with a Radon Test Kit every two years.
• If Radon levels are high, contact a licensed professional to fix the problem.

See the Illinois.gov website for more radon information and resources.

About the Healthy Places Coalition

The mission of the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is to engage all interested community members in assessing interest and issues for improving overall community health. The Coalition is formed by participants from diverse aspects of the community, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Kane County Health Department, municipal governments, hospitals, fire departments, community advocacy groups, non-profits, private corporations and many others. For more information, vision the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition web page.

About the Kane County Health Department

In active partnership with our community, the Kane County Health Department improves the quality of life and well-being of all residents by developing and implementing local policies, systems, and services that protect and promote health, and prevent disease, injury and disability. Visit the Health Department’s Facebook Page and sign up for the award-winning “Health Matters” newsletter.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department