Palos Park, IL – Health Alert: Residents Urged to Test Homes for Radon During January Awareness Month
Palos Park, Illinois — Local health officials are encouraging residents to take action this month by testing their homes for radon, an invisible gas that can pose serious health risks if left undetected. January is nationally recognized as Radon Awareness Month, making it an ideal time for households to check indoor air quality and reduce potential long-term health threats.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms in soil and rock and can enter homes through small cracks, openings, and foundation gaps. Because it has no smell, color, or taste, homeowners may be exposed without realizing it.
Why January Is the Right Time to Test
During colder months, homes are typically sealed to conserve heat, which can allow radon levels to rise indoors. Health experts say this makes winter one of the most effective times to test for radon exposure.
Long-term exposure to high radon levels is a known risk factor for lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. Testing is the only reliable way to know whether radon concentrations inside a home are within safe limits.
Simple Testing Can Make a Big Difference
Radon testing is affordable and easy to complete. Short-term and long-term test kits are available at many retail locations, and the testing process requires minimal effort. Kits are usually placed in the lowest lived-in level of a home for a set period before results are analyzed.
If elevated radon levels are found, mitigation solutions are available and effective. These systems work by safely venting radon gas out of the home, significantly reducing indoor exposure.
Protecting Your Household
Health officials recommend that all homes be tested, regardless of age or location. Radon levels can vary widely even between neighboring houses, making individual testing essential.
Steps residents can take include:
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Testing their home during January
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Sealing visible foundation cracks
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Retesting after renovations or mitigation
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Seeking professional guidance if levels are high
Community Awareness and Prevention
Officials encourage residents to share information about radon safety with neighbors and family members. Raising awareness during January helps ensure more homes are tested and fewer people face unnecessary health risks.
Radon exposure is preventable, and early detection is a key step toward maintaining a healthy living environment.
Radon may be invisible, but its impact can be serious if ignored. Health leaders in Palos Park urge residents to use January as a reminder to test their homes and take proactive steps to protect their families’ long-term health.
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