The 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan includes radon. Survey participants specifically wanted radon included.
In the Plan, radon is listed as another risk factor for lung cancer: Exposure to radon (a naturally occurring gas from rocks and dirt that can get trapped in houses and buildings).
Reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens includes radon in objectives 2-4:
• Objective 2: Increase the number of Illinois schools tested for radon from 89 to 200 by 2027 (IEMA School testing program for radon with American Lung Association).
• Objective 3: Reduce the percentage of tested classrooms with a ≥ 4.0 pCi/L measurement for radon from 9.7% to 8.7% by 2027 (IEMA School Testing Program for radon with American Lung Association).
• Objective 4: Reduce the percentage of tested schools with one classroom with a ≥ 4.0 pCi/L measurement for radon from 65.6% to 59.0% by 2027 (IEMA School Testing Program for radon with American Lung Association).
Strategies of the Plan include:
• Promote the School Radon Testing program established by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
• Promote the use of radon resistant construction techniques.
• Increase community demand for radon testing.
The Plan includes a call to action with items:
• Test your home for radon and implement mitigation strategies, such as sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation and modifying house or room pressure and ventilation.
• Promote increasing air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. Natural ventilation in any type of house is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.
Community organizations are encouraged to provide at-home radon kits. Schools are encouraged to test buildings for radon.
The Plan suggests life style can incorporate changes in radon risk by testing your home for radon.
Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases…
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