Local News

Radon Testing for Schools

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 09:42:11 CST
January is 'Rado Action Month' in Illinois to encourage residents to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. To kick off the month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois have announced a statewide initiative to help Illinois school districts screen school buildings for radon.

As pary of the school initiative, districts throughout Illinois can receive radon detection equpment, assistance with developing a radon testing plan and guidance on rado detector placement within school buildings. To participate in the program, designated school district employees must complete an online traing course on procedures for performing screening measurements in their district school buildings.

In many cases, radon levels in schools can be lowered through modifications to the heating and air conditioning systems, while a professional radon mitigation contractor may be needed to address elevated radon levels in other schools.

School districts interested in participating can call Kallie Sinkus at 217-718-6667 or email Kallie.Sinkus@lung.org.