Information provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (December 29, 2020) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in the coming weeks to test their home for radon as part of Radon Action Month. Radon related health risks are preventable with a simple home detection test.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is recognized as the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in the soil. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is found all over the United States in the air that people breathe in buildings, homes, offices and if not properly mitigated can reach drastically high levels causing major health concerns. It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year.
“With more people staying home, working and learning remotely, this is a great time to test your home for radon,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Radon enters our homes through cracks and other holes in the structure’s foundation or crawl space. Homes trap radon where it can build up once inside. It’s important to note that radon can be found in older buildings and new constructions. A simple home test is an inexpensive and easy way to know if you and your family is at risk of exposure.”
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL) are teaming up during Radon Action Month to increase public awareness of radon risks and ways to reduce radon exposure. IEMA and ALAIL announced the continuation of two statewide contests that encourages students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. The Radon Video Contest asks Illinois high school students to create a 30 second commercial syle video, while the Radon Poster Contest asks middle school students to create a poster that will encourage people to test their homes for radon.
| Radon Poster Contest | Radon Video Contest | |
| Eligibility | Students Age 9-14 | All High School Students |
| Registration Status | Now Open | Now Open |
| Submissions Due | March 5 | March 21 |
| First Prize | $200 | $1000 (student), $300 (school) |
| Second Prize | $150 | $750 (student), $200 (school) |
| Third Prize | $100 | $500 (student), $100 (school) |
| Honorable Mention | n/a | $250 (student) |
All contest prizes are funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both contests are sponsored by IEMA, ALAIL, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5.
In 2020, Illinois took home top honors in the National Radon Video Contest. The video, What’s Your Radon, was produced by Girl Scout Troop 41592 and comprised of students from Barrington High School. The top posters and videos from the 2020 state contests can be viewed on IEMA’s radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov. The website also includes information about radon and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.
