Health Department: January Is Radon-Testing Month in Kane County
Blame the unique geology in the Midwestern United States, and northeast Illinois in particular: Homes in Kane County have the potential for higher levels of radon. This is because the rocks and soil beneath our feet can contain uranium, which can produce radon.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium.
You can’t see or smell it; testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. Radon has been found to be the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
The gas enters through cracks in homes, buildings and schools and exposes people to the radiation. And because our homes are typically shut up tight during cold winter days, any radon that enters your home will tend to linger much longer.
That is why January has been named National Radon Action Month. It is recommend that now is a good time to test your home for the presence of radon.
Regardless of the year your home was built, you may have high levels of radon gas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that if a home or building tests at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, action should be taken to reduce the level of radon.
The average indoor radon level in Kane County is 5.07 pCi/L, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Kane County residents can find the average radon level for homes in their ZIP code by clicking HERE.
More information about radon is available on the Kane County Health Department website HERE.
How To Get a Radon Test Kit in Kane County!
Radon testing kits are available from the Kane County Health Department and the Kane County Development Office.
Testing kits are also available at many local hardware stores.
Test kits for $15, which include certified lab analysis and postage, are available at:
- Aurora Health Department Office, 1240 N. Highland Avenue, Suite 5, Aurora, IL 60506 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Kane County Development Office, 719 South Batavia Avenue, 4th Floor Geneva, Illinois 60134. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Elgin Health Department Office, 1750 Grandstand Place, Suite 2, Elgin, IL 60123. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.
Free test kits are available to those who are income eligible through Community Contacts, Inc. at 847-697-8800.
Free test kits for AURORA residents are also available through Joseph Corporation at 630-906-9400.
