By Todd Hatton/AP
Springfield, IL – A new study from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency finds 42 percent of homes in Illinois tested positive for excess levels of radon from 2003 to 2007.
The study was released as Illinois marks January as Radon Action Month.
Radon is colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas. It comes from radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil. Illinois safety officials say residents should test their homes for radon.
In the study, analysts looked at the results of radon tests performed by professional contractors and homeowners from 2003 to 2007. As part of Radon Action Month, the agency is offering 10,000 free radon testing kits. They can be requested online at www.radon.illinois.gov.