When was the last time you tested your home for radon? What changes might have increased our exposure risks over the last few years? Join University of Illinois Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator Jay Solomon to learn more about the dangers of radon in our home. Each household will receive a free radon test kit.
As fall arrives, we prepare to spend more time inside our homes. Time for a fall cleaning to collect up the last of that summer pollen and dust, check the batteries in the smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure windows and doors are sealed tight.
“In doing this, we set up the conditions for deadly, colorless, odorless gas to be trapped and building up in our homes: Radon!” according to Solomon. “The only way to know the radon level in your home is to conduct a test of the home.” Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This colorless, odorless gas is found in many homes throughout Illinois.
“The events of the last year have increased our health awareness and resulted in many spending more time at home. This includes spending time to spaces quickly converted to home offices and work areas. Even as things return to normal, many of these new workspaces will continue to be utilized to some extent. In this quick conversion, air quality was probably not top of the list of considerations. Basements and other less used spaces are susceptible to air quality issues including radon buildup,” Solomon shared.
Program participants will learn what radon is and how it enters a home, the danger radon poses, and how a home can be tested for radon. Discussion will also include information about reducing the radon levels in a home including contact information for licensed radon professionals in the area that can help homeowners through the process of testing and mitigation.
If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please contact the Extension Office at (815)-858-2273. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
All current CDC and IDPH COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.
This program will be offered in Elizabeth on November 12.