Lung cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. There are 21,000-25,000 deaths a year in the U.S. from lung cancer caused by radon. In Illinois, there are around 1160 deaths a year from lung cancer caused by radon. Mitigate to reduce high radon levels and reduce the risk of lung cancer..
In this way, is radon a problem in Illinois if so why?
The Southern area of Illinois is considered moderate potential for radon. Why should I be concerned about Radon? Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non- smokers. As many as 1,160 Illinois citizens are estimated to develop radon related lung cancer annually.
Subsequently, question is, how long do you have to be exposed to radon before it becomes a problem? If a person has been exposed to radon, 75 percent of the radon progeny in lungs will become "harmless" lead particles after 44 years. When an alpha particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes a minimum of 5 years but most often 15 to 25 years, and even longer.
Likewise, is radon testing required in Illinois?
ILLINOIS RADON AWARENESS ACT The new law doesn't require that homes be tested for radon prior to the sale or that radon remediation work be conducted if test results show high levels of radon. However, under the new law, if a radon test has been conducted on the home those results must be provided to the buyer.
How dangerous is radon?
Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Related Question Answers
How common is radon in Illinois?
There is no safe level of radon. The current average radon level in homes in Illinois is 4. 4 pCi/L. professionals were found to have radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or more. The national indoor average radon level is 1.3 pCi/L.What states have the most radon?
The ten states with the highest levels of radon are: - Alaska.
- South Dakota.
- Pennsylvania.
- Ohio.
- Washington.
- Montana.
- Kentucky.
- Idaho.
Can you reduce radon by opening windows?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.How common is radon?
Radon is a common problem in homes throughout the country — as many as one in 15 U.S. homes has high levels of radon, according to the EPA.Who pays for radon mitigation buyer or seller?
Sometimes the seller pays for it all, sometimes they fund a credit and sometimes there is a split. Most single family homes will only require one radon mitigation system. A radon system installed by a high quality radon contractor will run in the range of $1200-$1700.How much does radon mitigation cost in Illinois?
A professional licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Radon Program can mitigate your radon levels. The average cost of a mitigation system is between $800 to $1200. The most common type of mitigation systems is Active Soil Depressurization.What radon levels are safe?
Safe radon levels The average global outdoor radon level varies between 5-15 Bq/m3,equal to 0.135-0.405 pCi/L. For every 99.9 Bq/m3, or every 2.7 pCI/L increase in radon exposure, lung cancer risk rises 16 percent. The thing to remember is that the lower the level, the lower the risk.Is radon only in the basement?
Radon is completely odorless as well as being invisible. Because it is often found unexpectedly in basements, some people mistakenly believe that it only occurs in basements.Where is Radon most commonly found?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may be found in indoor environments such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Radon is the most important cause of lung cancer after smoking.Can you test radon yourself?
Testing your home for radon is easy and doesn't cost very much. You can test for radon yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. There are 2 main types of radon test kits. Short-term tests take between 2 and 90 days.How much does it cost to have your home tested for radon?
A radon inspection ranges between $148 and $744, averaging at $440. Home test kits range between $10 and $30. However, hiring a pro is the most accurate method of testing. Costs to mitigate average $1,000 and are separate from testing.Who pays for radon inspection?
When a radon test is conducted as part of a real estate transaction and the test results come up high, the buyer typically asks the seller to pay for or install a radon mitigation system. These systems are extremely effective at lowering radon levels, and they cost about $1500 on average.How do I get a radon test in Illinois?
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency requires anyone performing radon inspections in Illinois to obtain a Radon Professional License by completing an IEMA approved Qualification Course. Visit the Illinois website for details.Where can I purchase a radon test kit?
You may download a radon test kit coupon and mail it in. Many radon test kits can be found online or in home improvement stores. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to find out your radon level.What states require radon testing?
California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Oregon require all new homes be built following radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) standards. New Jersey, Virginia and Washington require RRNC to new housing in high radon areas.Where does radon come from?
Radon comes from the breakdown of naturally-occurring radioactive elements (such as uranium and thorium) in soils and rocks. As part of the radioactive decay process, radon gas is produced.Should I buy a house in a radon affected area?
If you are purchasing a property within a Radon Affected Area it is advisable that the property transaction includes a Radon Bond. This is an agreement between the buyer and vendor whereby a sum of money held back from the sale to help with any potential remedial costs.Should I worry about radon?
Yes you need to worry about Radon gas because Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas and it is present both outdoors and indoors. Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Scientists estimate that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.Does Radon make you tired?
The more uranium there is, the more radon there is. That makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But even minor symptoms like headaches, feeling unusually tired, itching or burning eyes, irritated skin, nasal congestion, a dry throat or nausea could be due to your home's indoor air quality. 
