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Pat Quinn, Governor |
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New Law to Help Renters Learn More About Radon Levels in Their Homes
Radon is Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
A new law set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, will help people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their homes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's (IEMA) radon program is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under this new law.
Statewide Radon Poster Contest Winners Recognized by Illinois Emergency Management Agency, American Lung Association of Illinois, University of Illinois Extension, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Illinois State University Three posters designed by Illinois students depicting the hazards of radon gas in homes soon will be competing against posters from across the country in the 2012 National Radon Poster Contest sponsored by the National Safety Council, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A $38,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be used to help 50 Illinois school districts screen school buildings for the radioactive gas radon. IEMA announced the screening program on Jan. 4 as it kicked off a statewide observance of Radon Action Month during January. Read press release. School Radon Screening Program
The Radon Measurement Course for School Districts Electing to Perform Radon Measurements is available for downloading. After completing the Radon Measurement course, district employees must demonostrate their knowledge of the course work by passing an online examination. After sucessfully passing the online exam a certificate will be emailed to the employee. School districts interested in participating in the grant program recently awarded to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association of Illinois may register by contacting Patrick Daniels. The grant program will be available to the first 50 Illinois school districts to register with the Agency by email. Please include your District contact information in your correspondence. Radon Measurement Course for School Districts Electing to Perform Radon Measurements Radon Measurement Online Exam for School Districts Electing to Perform Radon Measurements
Whether you are a teacher, instructor or health educator, this power point presentation has been compiled to aide you in teaching your students or audience about radon gas. The intention of these slides is not to be used as one large presentation but for you to pick and choose which ones you would like to use when helping educate your students about the risks of radon gas.
Radon is an indoor air pollutant that can easily be incorporated into lessons whether for general science, health, biology, chemistry or environmental science. This colorless, odorless, radioactive gas is the first leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The US Surgeon General shares, "Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country." This information can be helpful for teachers conveying the risks of radon to students entering the radon video or radon poster contest. Check out the rest of our website for more information about radon.
Looking for a low cost Radon Test Kit?
For radon information by telephone call (800) 325-1245 (Information Line) or to speak to an IEMA Radon Program staff member call (217) 782-1325.
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