May 10, 2025
Local News | Kane County Chronicle
Local News

Home-testing for radon is focus of Kane County Health Dept. program

Almost every Kane County zip code has above-average radon action level

By KANE COUNTY

Almost every Kane County zip code is above the U.S. Environmental Protection Level's radon action level of 4pCi/L The Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is holding a free program about home radon testing at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in St. Charles. (Image provided)

The average radon level in nearly every Kane County zip code is above the recommended action level, and as part of Radon Action Month, the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is holding a presentation at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 at the University of Illinois Extension Office, 535 Randall Road, St. Charles.

According to a news release from the Kane County Health Department, radon is found throughout the United States and can vary widely from one home to another. Most radon exposure occurs in the home. Because radon has no taste, smell or color, a home must be tested to find out how much radon is in the air, the news release stated.

There is no safe level for radon, but the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General recommended action level for homes is at or above 4pCi/L.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium. Rocks and soil can contain uranium. Radon gas can enter through cracks in homes, buildings and schools, exposing expose people to the radiation, the release stated.

According to the release, when people breathe in radon, it damages the lungs, which can cause lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The EPA estimates that 21,000 yearly lung cancer U.S. deaths are associated with radon.

Eleven hardware stores in Kane County have partnered with the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition to provide their customers with educational radon displays and test kits for sale this month:

Ace Hardware, 2144 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora

Ace Hardware, 994 N. Lake St., Aurora

Ace Hardware, 1901 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Ace Hardware, 617 W. State St., Geneva

Ace Hardware, 160 E. Galena, Sugar Grove

Ziegler Ace Hardware, 150 S Kennedy Drive, Carpentersville

Ziegler Ace Hardware, 1158 Lillian St., Elgin

Ziegler Ace Hardware, 301 Randall Road, South Elgin

Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 629 S. Randall Road, Elgin

Home Depot, 1250 N. Orchard Road, Aurora

Lowe’s, 955 S. Randall Road, St. Charles

For more information, see http://kanehealth.com/Pages/Radon.aspx.

Call 630-264-7653 for questions or to reserve a seat for the Jan. 22 program. Walk-ins are welcome.