January Is Radon Protection Month in LaSalle County, Illinois

Each January, Radon Protection Month highlights a silent but serious health risk affecting homes across LaSalle County and the entire state of Illinois: radon gas. As a content creator focused on emergency management, it’s vital to raise awareness about what radon is, why it matters locally, and how residents can take action to protect their families.

🧪 What Is Radon and Why It Matters

Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless radioactive gas that naturally forms in soil and rock. It moves up through the ground and can enter homes through foundation cracks, sumps, crawl spaces, and other openings. Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels and become a significant health risk.

Health risks:

• Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers.

• In Illinois, roughly one in two homes tested have radon levels at or above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

• Statewide data suggests many counties—including ours—regularly show elevated indoor radon concentrations.

According to the LaSalle County Health Department, radon testing in the county has shown an average radon measurement of around 6.56 pCi/L, which is above the level at which mitigation is recommended.

📊 Radon Statistics — Illinois & LaSalle County

• ~45% of homes in Illinois are above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

• State radon testing data indicates the average indoor radon level in Illinois is above safe limits.

• Locally in LaSalle County, free test results averaged 6.56 pCi/L, with many homes exceeding 4.0 pCi/L.

• EPA and state authorities recommend testing homes every two years, especially during colder months when homes are sealed.

These high local levels reinforce the importance of testing and mitigation in our area.

🏠 How to Test Your Home for Radon

Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon. There are two main approaches:

🆓 Free Do-It-Yourself Testing

• LaSalle County Health Department offers free radon test kits to residents (pickup at 717 Etna Road, Ottawa). Staff can help explain how to use them.

• Kits are especially effective during winter when windows and doors remain closed.

📍 Paid Professional Testing Services

There are over 600 licensed measurement and mitigation professionals in Illinois if you would prefer a licensed technician to handle testing and interpretation. LaSalle County EMA does not endorse any particular professional but here are a few:

Local & Regional Testing Companies

• Dupage Radon Testing, Inc. – Licensed radon testing services.

• AccuRadon Radon Testing & Termite Inspections – Residential testing specialists.

• AHIS Inspection & Radon Testing Services – Home inspection and radon testing.

• Radon Tec/ Radon Testing Service – Radon measurement services in the region.

• QC Home Inspection & Radon Testing – Radon testing with inspection services.

Licensed professionals can help ensure accuracy and compliance with state and EPA guidelines.

🚧 How to Mitigate Elevated Radon

If testing shows your radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, mitigation is strongly recommended. This typically involves installing a ventilation system to draw radon from beneath the foundation and release it safely outdoors.

Radon Mitigation Professionals Near LaSalle County

• Illinois Valley Radon Mitigation – Licensed local mitigation services in Ottawa and LaSalle County.

• Stuedemann Radon Resolutions – Highly rated mitigation services in the region.

• SWAT Radon Mitigation – Radon mitigation and system installation services.

• Timmit Radon Systems – Local mitigation and measurement specialists.

• Professional Radon Systems – Well-reviewed mitigation company.

• Guardian Radon Mitigation & Electrical Services – Licensed mitigation provider (serving wider IL).

Mitigators will assess your home and design a system that best fits your foundation type and radon levels.

📅 What You Can Do This Month

✔️ Pick up a free radon test kit from the LaSalle County Health Department. ✔️ Test your home now—especially before spring. ✔️ Hire a licensed pro if levels are high. ✔️ Share this info with neighbors and community groups.

Radon Protection Month is the perfect time to take action for your family’s health—don’t wait!

Sources: Illinois Department of Public Health, American Lung Association, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Shaw Local, and LaSalle County Health Department.