SPRINGFIELD – A $38,000 grant recently awarded to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will be used to help 50 Illinois school districts screen school buildings for the radioactive gas radon.  IEMA announced the screening program today as it kicked off a statewide observance of Radon Action Month during January.

“While thousands of homes in Illinois already have been tested for radon, very few school buildings have been screened,” said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger.  “Thanks to this grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we’re able to partner with the American Lung Association of Illinois to help 50 school districts test their buildings.”

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil.   Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause among non-smokers.  It’s estimated that nearly 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur each year in Illinois.

The radon screening program announced today will help participating schools comply with recommendations contained in Public Act 96-0417, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2010.  The law, sponsored by state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), encourages school districts to test school buildings for radon every five years. 

To reduce the cost to school districts for the radon tests, the law allows district employees to complete an online training course approved by IEMA in order to perform screening measurements in their district school buildings.  By using a trained school district employee to conduct the tests, districts won’t have the expense of hiring a licensed radon measurement contractor.

“This is such an important issue for the health of our citizens,” said Rep. May.  “I am so pleased we will be able to start to cover some of the costs of screening our schools, where children, teachers and staff spend several hours each day.”

Under the school screening program, IEMA and the American Lung Association of Illinois (ALAIL) will work with participating school districts on development of a quality assurance project plan and a final report, as well as providing guidance for placement of measurement devices in one elementary school building in each district.

“The ALAIL is pleased to partner with IEMA and Illinois school districts in testing their buildings for radon gas,” said American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest CEO, Harold Wimmer. “Through this partnership, we can help determine if radon is a concern in schools.”

In addition to the USEPA grant, IEMA recently acquired free radon measurement equipment from the State of Michigan.  This will enable the agency to loan measurement devices to school districts to further reduce the costs of the screening measurements.

The USEPA has established 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) as the action level for radon.  It is estimated that the risk of developing lung cancer at that level is about seven lung cancer deaths per 1,000 persons.  The USEPA and IEMA recommend taking steps to reduce radon levels if test results indicate levels of 4.0 pCi/L or above.

More information about radon is available at IEMA’s radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov.

IEMA Kicks Off School Screening Program during Radon Action Month – $38,000 grant will help 50 school districts test buildings for radon | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD –   Nearly 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur each year in Illinois, yet many people have never tested their homes to find out if dangerous levels of this radioactive gas are present.  During Radon Action Week Oct. 17-23, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people throughout Illinois to test their homes.

“Our studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of Illinois homes tested had radon levels above the action level,” said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger.  “But there’s no way to know if your home has high radon levels unless you test.”   

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. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has established 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) as the action level for radon in homes.  It is estimated that the risk of developing lung cancer at that level is about seven lung cancer deaths per 1,000 persons.  The USEPA and IEMA recommend taking steps to reduce radon levels in your home if test results indicate levels of 4.0 pCi/L or above.

Determining whether or not your home has high levels of radon is easy.  Homeowners can either test the home themselves using simple kits available at most home improvement stores or they can hire a licensed radon measurement contractor.  IEMA licenses more than 250 measurement and nearly 90 mitigation contractors statewide.

For more information about radon, radon testing results from your county or to find an IEMA-licensed radon measurement or mitigation contractor in your area, visit www.radon.illinois.gov.

IEMA Promotes Home Radon Testing during Radon Action Week Oct. 17-23 – Testing for second-leading cause of lung cancer is easy, inexpensive | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Nearly 70 public health officials, contractors, extension educators and other radon partners are attending a day-long meeting in Springfield Monday to learn how they can increase public awareness about radon.

The 7th Annual Radon Networking Day is sponsored by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Radon Program.

High levels of radon, a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas, have been found in more than 40 percent of homes tested for radon in Illinois.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation.

However, for non-smokers, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer.  It’s estimated that nearly 1,200 lung cancer deaths each year in Illinois are related to radon.

“We’re very fortunate in Illinois to have a strong network of partners throughout the state who are devoted to increasing public awareness of radon’s health hazard,” said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez III.

“Radon Networking Day provides a unique opportunity for these partners to hear from various experts and share information with their counterparts from around Illinois.”

During the conference, IEMA will recognize Calvin Murphy of Mount Vernon with the Illinois Excellence in Radon Award for his efforts in radon education and outreach.

Murphy, a professional radon mitigation contractor for the past 20 years, was instrumental in the formation of the Southern Illinois Radon Awareness Task Force, and recently worked with the American Lung Association of Illinois on the Southern Illinois Radon Initiative.

He has also served as an officer with the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists.

“Calvin has been an instrumental partner in raising radon awareness throughout the state,” said Pat Daniels, manager of the IEMA radon program.

Representatives from the following health departments and other local government agencies are scheduled to attend Radon Networking Day:

• Christian County
• Cook County
• Ford-Iroquois
• Glenview
• LaSalle County
• Logan County
• Macoupin County
• Naperville
• Sangamon County
• Shelby County
• Southern Seven
• St. Clair County
• Tazewell County
• Winnebago County

Other participants in the event include representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Blessing Hospital (Quincy), Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University, USEPA Region 5, University of Illinois Extension, AARST CANSAR and several radon contractors.

IEMA and its partners encourage everyone to test their homes for radon and to have a radon reduction system installed if the levels are at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/liter), the action level established by the USEPA.

A study conducted by IEMA found that 42 percent of Illinois homes tested by homeowners or professional measurement contractors had high levels of radon.

More information about radon, including lists of measurement and mitigation professionals, is available on IEMA’s radon Web site (radon.illinois.gov) or by calling the Radon Hotline at 1-800-0325-1245.

Health Officials, Radon Professionals Discuss Ways to Increase Public Awareness of Radon Hazards | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people to check their homes this month for a radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Radon gas, which comes from the decay of naturally-occurring uranium in the soil, has been found in homes in every county in Illinois.

“Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths each year than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined,” said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez III.

“While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer overall, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Our studies have found high levels of radon in nearly 40 percent of the homes tested in Illinois, but you’ll never know if your home has a problem unless you test.”

It’s estimated that 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur annually in the United States, more than 1,100 of those in Illinois.

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, IEMA today announced the launch of a radon poster contest to help kids learn about radon and how to reduce their risk of exposure.

Students ages 9-14 are encouraged to create posters depicting radon’s health hazards and the need to test homes for radon.  The deadline for submitting posters is March 1, 2010.

Three winning posters will be selected from the five University of Illinois Extension regions.

Regional poster contest winners will be judged and the top three posters will be submitted to the national competition in Washington, D.C.  Regional winners in Illinois will receive $50 savings bonds and the top three state posters will receive a $100 savings bond.

The national winner, a parent and teacher will win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in an awards ceremony.

The state Radon Poster Contest is sponsored each year by IEMA, the American Lung Association of Illinois, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and the University of Illinois Extension.

Educational materials about radon and more details about the poster contest are available for teachers at the Extension’s radon Web site at TakeActionOnRadon.illinois.edu.

“Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US,” said Eileen Lowery of the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Increased radon awareness and educating homeowners about the importance of testing their homes for radon is a vital part of our mission.”

Homeowners can test their homes with kits purchased at hardware or home improvement stores or hire an IEMA-licensed radon measurement contractor to conduct the test.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommends taking actions to reduce home radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or greater.

IEMA also licenses radon mitigation contractors, who can install a system to reduce radon concentrations.

More information about radon, including results from IEMA’s statewide radon study and lists of licensed radon measurement and mitigation professionals is available at radon.illinois.gov or by calling the radon hotline at 1-800-325-1245.

IEMA Urges People to Test Homes for Radon During Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

That’s why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people throughout Illinois to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Week Oct. 18-24.

“It’s estimated that nearly 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur each year in Illinois,” said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez III. “Our studies have found homes with excessive radon levels in every county in Illinois. The only way to know if your home has too much radon is to test. I urge everyone to protect their loved ones’ health by testing for radon.”

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.

The National Academy of Sciences and the Surgeon General estimate that 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur annually in the United States, as many as 1,160 of those in Illinois.

Homeowners can either test the home themselves, using test kits available at most home improvement and department stores, or hire a radon measurement contractor. IEMA licenses more than 266 measurement and 88 mitigation contractors statewide.

IEMA collects and analyzes radon home test results throughout the state to determine the potential radon risk by county. To date, the agency’s radon staff has analyzed results from more than 100,000 home radon tests conducted by professional contractors and homeowners between 2003 and 2008.

Those results showed that nearly 40 percent of Illinois homes tested have radon levels above the USEPA-recommended 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).

For more information about radon, radon testing results from your county or to find an IEMA-licensed radon measurement or mitigation contractor in your area, visit radon.illinois.gov.

IEMA Encourages Illinois Residents to Test Homes for Radon during Radon Action Week Oct. 18-24 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.