Radon

Phone # 630.561.5528

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas found in homes throughout the United States.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas, which emanates from soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe.
Radon gas comes from the naturally occurring uranium in the soil. Radon gas takes the path of least resistance
up through the ground and if the radon source is near a home’s foundation, it will enter the house due to
negative air pressure in the home caused by normal house ventilation.
What does radon do?
Radon is carcinogen which is a substance that can cause changes in cells that can lead to cancer in humans. It
has been estimated that exposure to these decay products or progeny causes between 15,000 and 22,000 lung
cancer deaths per year. No cancers other than lung cancer have been attributed to radon.
How do you test for radon?
Radon Test - is performed over 2 or more days using an electronic continuous radon monitor. Or you can
purchase test kits from local hardware stores, home-centers, county health departments or via the internet for
as little as $15.00.
What do my results mean?
The results of your test will be given in pico Curies per Liter, or pCi/L. If a result is above 4.0 pCi/L, it is
suggested that the radon level be mitigated (reduced) to a level below 4.0 pCi/L to minimize health risks. The
average outdoor level in the United States is 0.4 pCi/L. In an ideal situation after mitigating, your home could be
close to that level. You would then be no worse off being in your home than outside. While achieving outdoor
levels is not always possible,
If a result is above 4.0
All homes can be mitigated to a level below the action level of 4.0 pCi/L.