Health Officials Encourage Residents to Test for Radon

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as national Radon Action Month. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the United States as reported by the EPA.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that results from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to test their homes for radon. Radon test kits are inexpensive and can be purchased at the McHenry County Department of Health for $6. Test kits can also be found at most hardware stores and online, according to a news release.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk. If high radon levels are detected, remediation steps can be taken to help reduce unnecessary exposure, according to a news release.

Questions regarding radon should be directed to the MCDH Division of Environmental Health. Staff is available to provideeducation on a variety of topics to individuals, community groups or organizations and students of all ages. Please contact theDivision of Environmental Health at 815-334-4585 Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For after hour and weekend emergencies, call 815-344-7421.

Visit www.mcdh.info, www.illinois.gov/iema and www.epa.gov for additional information onradon