KCHD does not have an active inspection program for investigating radon or radon concerns in residential or commercial buildings.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It is a Class A human carcinogen, which means there is actual evidence that exposure to radon causes lung cancer in humans. 

Any home can have elevated radon levels. It doesn’t matter whether your house is old or new or whether it has a basement, crawlspace, or slab-on-grade foundation. Most radon enters a home because of air pressure and temperature differentials between the indoors and outdoors. 

Testing is the only way to determine the radon level and risk in your own home. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. Radon detectors are available at hardware stores or by calling the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety for a list of licensed laboratories that sell detectors.

If you have elevated radon levels in your home, they can be lowered by installing a radon mitigation system that collects radon prior to its entry into the house and discharges it to a safe location.

For more information please check out the resources below:

• Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety, Radon Information Line:
  Phone: (800) 325-1245

Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Radon Facts