University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) are working to educate consumers about the importance of radon testing. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, resulting in many thousands of deaths each year.

The history of radon began in the 1400s when many miners died of an "unknown" lung disease. It wasn't until the 1980s that radon in buildings became a concern. The gas is emitted from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The gas enters homes and buildings due to pressure and temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor air. Sump pumps, crawl spaces, cracks and openings where the floor and wall meet are common radon entry points.

Radon testing in the home every few years is the best way to prevent overexposure of the radioactive, cancer-causing gas, according to Debra Bartman, University of Illinois Extension consumer and family economics educator. "Studies show that Illinois residents are aware of radon health risks, but often have an inaccurate understanding of the immediacy of the radon health hazard in their homes," she said.

Radon is colorless and odorless, and can only be detected by a radon test. Radon detectors are available at hardware stores, some county health departments, and from manufacturers that offer testing kits through the mail. Tests should be conducted in each of the lowest structures of the home. Testing is recommended during the cooler months when doors and windows are kept closed. Homeowners can perform their own radon tests or hire an IDNS licensed professional. Radon detectors are available from hardware stores, some county health departments, and laboratories or manufacturers that offer testing kits through the mail. Tests completed according to directions and mailed to a laboratory are usually returned within a week to 10 days.

The northern half of Illinois is considered by the U.S. EPA to have a greater potential for high levels of radon concentrations than the lower portion of the state. Still, high radon levels have been discovered in every county of the state. Radon is always present in low concentrations in homes and buildings, but it should not exceed 4 pCi/L. If test results reveal high levels, homeowners can contact an IDNS licensed mitigation professional to reduce the radon levels. Often a Sub-Slab Depressurization system is used to collect radon prior to entry into the building and discharge the gas to a safe location.

A Passive Radon Reduction System can be installed in homes under construction. A contractor may install this system without a radon mitigation license at a cost of $300 to $500. However, to activate the system, the contractor must be licensed.

For more information about testing instructions, radon test kit sources and the names of radon measurement professionals, visit the IDNS web site, www.state.il.us/idns/. Information is also available by calling the toll-free number (800) 325-1245. Program speakers may be available by calling Ruth Ann Lipic of Illinois State University's Radon Task Force at (309) 438-5295 or by visiting www.radonmclean.org.

Copies of the following free materials are available, from the McLean County Extension Office&ndash(309) 663-8306

Radon test kits may be purchased from the Town of Normal for $10 per radon test kit. Call Normal City Hall at (309) 454-2444 for more information. Program speakers may be available by calling Ruth Ann Lipic of Illinois State University's Radon Task Force at (309) 438-5295 or by visiting www.radonmclean.org.