Illinois health officials are encouraging residents to test their home’s radon level.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that travels through soil, and can seep into a building through small foundation cracks.
The Centers for Disease Control says radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Peoria City/County Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson says central Illinois is a hot zone for radon exposure.
“In 2017, we identified as a tri-county, both Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford lung cancer as one of our health priorities. A big indicator or risk factor with lung cancer is radon exposure,” says Hendrickson.
Hendrickson adds radon is a serious health risk.
“So when you’re looking at radon, as well as additional risk factors such as tobacco usage, you’re really increasing your risk of developing lung cancer.”
Radon test kits can be purchased at the Peoria City/County Health Department as well as the health departments in Tazewell and Woodford counties. Kits are also available at various hardware stores.
Officials recommend checking radon levels every two years. Tests are more effective during cold weather when doors and windows are usually closed.
Radon mitigation is recommended for homes and buildings that test above the federal standard of 4 pCi/L.
