IEMA Links

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging homeowners throughout the state to test their homes for radon after a study of radon testing results found nearly half of 22,000 homes tested by professionals had potentially unsafe levels of radon. The study also found 80 counties where few, if any, professional tests for the naturally occurring radioactive gas known to cause lung cancer were conducted during the two-year study period. See the entire Press Release dated September 27, 2006 by clicking here. To view the entire Status Report for Radon in Illinois, click here.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil. It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces. For more information about radon testing, or FREE kits, visit our website at http://iema.illinois.gov/radon/MeasurementLabs.asp or call the radon hotline at 1-800-325-1245.

IEMA’s radon staff works with licensed radon professionals, real estate agents, county health departments, health care providers, the ALA, Illinois State University and the University of Illinois in Springfield and Chicago to help inform the public about radon risks. The agency offers continuing education courses on radon for real estate agents and home inspectors, gives presentations to groups throughout the state and sets up exhibits at numerous conferences each year to help spread the word about radon.