January is Radon Action Month, which means it’s a good time to check your home and protect your loved ones. Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that is generated as radioactive minerals in the ground break down. This gas comes up through the soil and can enter homes through cracks in building foundations. Exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. Radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. The only way to know if radon is in your home is to test for it. Illinois law requires daycare centers and certain places of employment to regularly test for radon, but there are no such requirements for residences. Use Radon Action Month as a reminder to test your home. We recommend testing your home every two years. Testing kits are inexpensive and are available at most hardware stores or online. Check out our radon resources to learn more about radon and how you can protect your home and family.
Dedicated to Community Lung Health Since 1906