The Cook County Department of Environmental Control has announced the availability of Radon gas detector kits for purchase for $7. Radon is an odorless naturally occurring gas that can seep into a home or apartment unit through cracks in the basement floor and walls, or around openings of a sump pump or through crawl space.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is associated with 15,000-20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to a press release from the Village of Lincolnwood.

Almost 50 percent of homes that were tested in Illinois by professionals found higher than recommended levels of Radon gas, according to the press release.

Testing for Radon is easy and if high levels are found and measures can be taken to reduce gas levels.

To obtain a Radon testing kit, mail a $7 check and your return address to:

Cook County Department of Environmental Control

69 West Washington Street, Suite 1900

Chicago, Ill. 60602

--

Patch on Facebook