January is National Radon Awareness Month!

We need youth to help educate community members about the dangers of radon!

Do you know your radon number? Radon in Batavia is 5.4! This is well over the action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Radon is a natural occurring gas produced by deposits of decayed Uranium. Gases can penetrate structures via cracks, joints, sump pits, and service lines. People breathe in this dangerous gas. The Kane County Healthy Places Coalition wants Batavia Residents to understand what radon is and the health risks involved.

Radon exposure has great health risks, increasing one’s chances of developing cancer. Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Approximately 21,000 deaths per year are due to prolonged levels of radon exposure.

Most radon exposure occurs in the home, where people spend the most time. Because radon has no taste, smell, or color, a home must be tested to find out how much radon is in the air. Home radon testing is simple and inexpensive.

As part of Radon Awareness month, Kane County Healthy Places Coalition partnered with Batavia Library to help the community learn about the dangers of radon exposure and to encourage residents to take immediate action. The Radon display at Batavia Library features last year’s video and poster contest winners. Winners receive a cash prize! Submit your video and/or poster before the deadline! Visit Batavia Library to get more information!

To learn more about the radon video and poster contest visit:

http://www.lung.org/local-content/illinois/our-initiatives/illinois-radon-poster-contest.html

http://www.lung.org/local-content/illinois/our-initiatives/illinois-radon-video-contest.html