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May, 2003 More Radon Regulations from Illinois? The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) is taking no chances with radon gas in their state. Regulations on Radon testing in Illinois are notoriously tough, with the clear objective for protecting its residents. However, the new regulations are forcing Radon Testing to become more expensive in some situations. Let’s back up a little, and review where radon comes from, when you should be concerned, and what risks are involved. Radon is a radioactive element, that is part of the decay chain of naturally-occurring uranium in soil. In English, this means radon comes from uranium found in the earth. Radon gas is invisible and odorless. The EPA action level for radon is 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA has determined that a radon level of 4.0 or above is unsafe and recommends that action be taken to bring the radon level below 4.o pCi/L. Radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States today, second only to smoking. This is where the IDNS comes in. The State of Illinois requires that when testing for radon, a measurement device must be placed in the lowest level of the home, or levels containing a regularly used room. Each lowest livable level in the house must be tested. For example, a split-level building with a basement, a slab-on-grade room and a room over a crawlspace require measurements made in the basement, in the slab on grade room, and in the room over the crawlspace. This example would require that three radon testing devices be used in order to adhere with the IDNS. This is different than most states, that simply require that a single radon measurement device is placed at the lowest livable level, So keep in mind that when ordering radon inspections in the State of Illinois, the IDNS is watching and does enforce the law. For more information about Radon laws in Illinois, please click here. For more information on Radon, click here.
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