April 16, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact John Gibson in the Department of Communications & Public Affairs at 312-603-6454 or email Gibson at jgibson@cookcountygov.com.

Cook County Department of Environmental Control, State of Illinois Partner to Provide Vouchers for Free Radon Detectors to Area Residents

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger today urged County residents to take advantage of the Cook County Department of Environmental Control's Radon Awareness Program.  This program was developed to educate the public about the dangers of radon gas and to provide information on testing and mitigation, if necessary.  While supplies last, the County’s Department of Environmental Control, along with the State of Illinois, is providing vouchers for free radon detectors to area residents.  

"I applaud the efforts of the County’s Department of Environmental Control to heighten public awareness about the dangers of excessive radon levels," said President Stroger.  "These vouchers for free detectors will go a long way toward helping County residents protect themselves and their families from the dangers of excessive radon exposure."

Radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas comes from the decay of naturally occurring uranium in the earth's soil and can accumulate indoors to dangerous levels if unchecked.  Radon can be found in various concentrations practically anywhere on earth, but when concentrations rise indoors, the health risks involved become a concern.

Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon related.  Moreover, surveys done by the EPA and the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety indicate that approximately 15% of the homes in Cook County could have radon levels of 4 pCi/L (Pico curies per Liter) or more, which is the EPA "Action Level" for one to make repairs that would lower the radon levels in their home. 

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the 3rd floor for radon.  It is the only way to know for sure if the levels are sufficiently low and that your family is safe from the long-term effects of radon.

To obtain a voucher for a free radon testing kit or for more information on radon, please contact the Cook County Department of Environmental Control’s Radon Hotline at 708-865-6177.

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