Kane County Health Department

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Radon Awareness and Testing

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water. Radon gas can enter through cracks in homes, buildings, and schools. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States behind smoking. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) estimates that 21,000 yearly lung cancer U.S. deaths are associated with radon.​​ Learn more about the health risks of radon​.

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Radon in Kane County

According to the EPA Map of Radon Zones, Kane County is in Zone 1: Highest risk of radon. 

IEMA Radon Dashboard for Illinois Counties shows that the average test result of Kane County homes is 4.6 pCi/L, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA recommends mitigation for levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L to reduce cancer risk. If a home, building or school tests at 4 pCi/L or higher, action needs to be taken to remove the radon and reduce cancer risk.​


​Radon Testing Matters

Radon can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and other openings. Because it is invisible and odorless, the only way to know your home's radon level is to test. Elevated radon exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk over time.

Action steps for Kane County residents:

  • Test Your Home: All Kane County residents should test their homes for radon. Testing is the only way to know your home's radon level. Short-term radon test kits are affordable and easy to use. 
  • Mitigate if Necessary: If your home tests at or above 4 pCi/L, take action to reduce radon levels. Certified radon mitigation professionals can install systems to lower indoor radon effectively.
  • Retest: After mitigation or major home repairs, retest to ensure levels remain safe.​


Radon test kits are available from the Kane County Health Department and many local and online retailers. ​Test kits for $15, which include certified lab analysis and postage, are available at the Kane County Health Department Aurora and Elgin locations. 

Radon Reduction Toolkit for Home Buyers
There are many steps that home buyers take to ensure their new home is safe and healthy for themselves and their loved ones. Reducing radon exposure should be no exception. The American Lung Association has created a toolkit of resources to help home buyers protect against radon. Radon Basics is a free online learning module designed to teach participants facts about radon, the importance of testing, and options for mitigation.

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Home Builders

​Radon-Resistent New Construction policies are relatively minor, low-cost, construction techniques that help reduce the radon levels in new homes that are built.

Effective June 1, 2013 all new residential construction in this State shall include passive radon resistant construction. Read the law.

Many Kane County builders have been educated about radon and have already adopted these policies. Since 1994 more than 1/3 of new homes built in Kane County have been built using radon-resistant construction techniques​.

Child Care Centers

​The state legislature enacted a law requiring all licensed day care centers and homes to be tested for radon during license renewal: Public Act 097-0981 Radon Testing.

The Kane County Healthy Places Coalition has created a tool kit to make it easy for child care centers and homes to encourage parents to test their homes. The Child Care Radon Testing Photo Journal Tool Kit provides a quick guide to the various action items that child care centers and homes can choose from the tool kit to promote radon awareness among parents. We hope this tool kit helps many families with children in child care settings in Kane County.

​Best Practices for Radon Testing at Child Care Homes & Centers
Coloring Sheet on Radon
Follow-up Survey for Child Care Providers English & Spanish


Schools

The EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools provides schools with guidance, strategies, a list of frequently asked questions, and improvement plans to improve school air quality at little or no cost.

​Healthcare Providers​

Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.;​ radon causes 21,000. Doctors are in a position to educate their patients about testing procedures and methods for correcting elevated indoor radon levels. Most doctors ask their patients if they are a smoker or are exposed to second hand smoke but do not ask their patients if they have tested their homes for radon. Doctor involvement is crucial in reducing the incidence of lung cancer.

Radon Reduction Toolkit for Healthcare Providers
In 2024, the American Lung Association surveyed over 900 licensed healthcare professionals about their experience with indoor air quality. Out of 9 common indoor air pollutants, healthcare professionals were least familiar with radon. The Lung Association has created a toolkit of resources to aid healthcare professionals to identify, screen, and treat patients at-risk for the health impacts of radon.

Resources

EPA: Radon​​​
EPA: Radon Publications
IEMA: Radon
Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions - IL​​