•January 25, 2017•

To spread awareness and motivate proaction, the Moultrie County Health Department will be receiving 100 radon test kits.

Individuals wishing to test their homes should contact the Moultrie County Health Department to obtain a kit. All costs for the kits, postage, testing and results will be provided free to the individuals who obtain and use the kits provided by the Health Department.

Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas, comes from naturally occurring uranium in soil and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The only way to detect this toxic gas is by testing for it.

Test kits are available at the county health department and local extension office and may be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores. In addition, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency can provide you with a list of certified labs that sell kits and professionals who can test for you. You may call the IEMA at 1-800-325-1245 or visit them online at radon.illinois.gov.

If a home tests positive for radon, the MCHD will assist individuals in locating professionals who can help remedy the situation. Lowering the effects of radon in homes is an easy and effective method for reducing the risk of cancer to the people who live there.