Health department encourages radon testing

The McHenry County Department of Health encourages all residents to test their homes for radon levels.

During the month of April, short-term radon test kits can be purchased at MCDH for a reduced price of $5.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings can be harmful at elevated levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

McHenry County has been classified as a Zone 2, or medium risk for radon.

One out of three basement level readings in McHenry County have elevated radon levels. Existing homes with elevated levels of radon can be fixed fairly inexpensively.

Radon resistant construction can easily and economically be incorporated into the construction of new homes and buildings. Ask your homebuilder about incorporating a radon-resistant system for your new home.

The likelihood of developing cancer depends on many different factors, including amount of exposure, length of exposure and if a person is a smoker or nonsmoker.

For details, call (815) 334-4585. An FAQ sheet about radon is available from the National Safety Council online at www.nsc.org/issues/radon/faq.htm.