FREEPORT, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension will host the online program “Radon: Why it is still an issue?” at 6 p.m. Nov. 30.
“The short answer: Yes, radon should still be a concern in homeowners in northwest Illinois,” said Jay Solomon, U of I Extension energy and environmental stewardship educator. “The potential for the colorless, odorless gas to build up in our homes and cause lung cancer has not changed.”
Over the last few years, the magnitude of the radon issue in northern Illinois has become more apparent as more homes have been evaluated. Professional radon testers have found over 55% homes tested in northwest Illinois at or above the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter.
Over the past 10 years, many homes in the area have been tested with homeowner kits and by professional testers. However, only a small percentage of total homes in the region have been tested.
Also, after a sharp increase in testing a few years ago, the number of homes tested with homeowner and professional tests have dropped off.
The only way to know the radon level in your home is to conduct a test of the home. Additionally, homes should be retested every three years to check for changes.
Pre-registration is required online at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or by calling 815-235-4125. There is a registration fee of $5.