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Radon In Illinois

Average Radon Level In Illinois: 5.3 pCi/L

The EPA advises that any home or building in Illinois with radon levels at or exceeding 4.0 pCi/L should undergo mitigation. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets a lower threshold, recommending action for radon concentrations of 2.7 pCi/L or above.

  • EPA's Action Level: 4.0 pCi/L
  • WHO's Action Level: 2.7 pCi/L
  • Average Level In Illinois: 5.3 pCi/L

Living or working in areas with elevated radon levels can pose significant health risks. The only reliable method to ascertain the radon concentration in your specific home or building is through radon testing. This is a crucial step in ensuring your environment is safe and adheres to recommended health standards.

Average Radon Level In Illinois

Understanding Radon in Illinois

Radon in Illinois is a significant health concern that often goes unnoticed due to its colorless and odorless nature. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is prevalent in the soil and rock throughout the state, and can infiltrate homes and buildings through cracks and openings. The radon levels in Illinois are among the highest in the United States, with an estimated 40% of homes having levels above the recommended EPA action level. It’s crucial for residents to understand the risks and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

The Health Risks For Radon In Illinois

Exposure to high levels of radon in Illinois can lead to serious health issues, including:

  • Lung cancer: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers.
  • Respiratory issues: Long-term exposure to radon can lead to respiratory problems such as chronic cough and difficulty breathing.
  • Other health risks: While lung cancer is the most common health risk, radon exposure can also contribute to other health problems, including certain types of leukemia.

Radon Levels in Illinois

Illinois is a state that has a significant concern with radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. In Illinois, radon is a significant issue due to the state’s geology, which is rich in uranium and radium that can decay into radon gas.

Radon Levels Across Illinois

  • According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), approximately 42% of homes in Illinois have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
  • Some counties, such as McLean and LaSalle, have average indoor radon levels of 7.0 pCi/L and 6.9 pCi/L respectively, which are significantly higher than the EPA’s recommended action level.
  • Even in counties with lower averages, such as Cook County with an average of 4.2 pCi/L, there are still many homes with radon levels above the action level.

Radon Testing and Mitigation in Illinois

Due to the high radon levels in Illinois, the state government encourages homeowners to test their homes for radon. The IEMA provides resources for homeowners to find licensed radon measurement and mitigation professionals. If a home is found to have high radon levels, mitigation systems can be installed to reduce the radon levels to a safer range.

  • Illinois law requires that radon testing be offered during all real estate transactions.
  • The state also has a Radon Resistant Construction Act, which requires new residential construction to include passive radon resistant construction.

Conclusion

Radon is a serious health risk in Illinois, with many homes across the state having radon levels above the EPA’s action level. Homeowners are encouraged to test their homes for radon and, if necessary, install mitigation systems to reduce their exposure to this dangerous gas.

Additional Resources About Radon Levels In Illinois

Here are some resources for reading about radon levels in Illinois:

  • Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Radon: This is the official page of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency about radon. It provides comprehensive information about radon, its health risks, testing for radon, and reducing radon levels.
  • Illinois Department of Public Health – Radon FAQs: This page provides information about radon from the Illinois Department of Public Health. It includes details about radon’s effects on health, how to test for radon, and what to do if your home has high radon levels.
  • EPA Map of Radon Zones – Illinois: This page from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information about radon zones in Illinois. It includes a map of radon zones and contact information for state radon programs.
  • Radon.com – Radon Levels by State: This page provides a map of radon levels by state, including Illinois. It also provides information about the dangers of radon and how to test for it.