Cancer Survivor Week: Why Radon Testing Matters (Short Version)

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can seep through tiny gaps in your home and linger where your family lives, works and sleeps. The CDC links it to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the nation’s second leading cause of the disease after smoking. In Illinois, more than one in three homes tested exceed the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L - a risk that crosses every price point, neighborhood and construction style.

Cancer Survivor Day, June 7, and the week that follows honor those who have fought cancer and reminds the rest of us to prevent what we can. A simple radon test is one of the most effective steps.

Understanding How Radon Threatens Your Lungs

Radon forms when uranium and other elements underground break down and release radioactive gas. Outdoors, it disperses quickly. Inside tightly sealed houses, it collects in basements and first floors where people spend the most time.

How Radon Gets Indoors

The gas moves through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, sump pits and even porous concrete. Because it is heavier than air, it settles near the ground and builds concentration when ventilation is limited.

How Radon Damages Lung Tissue

Each breath can carry radioactive particles deep into your lungs. Over years, the emitted alpha radiation can damage DNA, creating mutations that lead to cancer. The process is silent; most people never feel symptoms until disease develops, so routine testing is essential.

Radon’s Place Among Lung Cancer Causes

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center estimates radon contributes to roughly 12% of U.S. lung cancers. Smoking multiplies the danger eight to nine times, yet thousands of non-smokers still develop radon-related cancer annually.

Why Illinois Faces Elevated Risk

Glacial soils rich in uranium, widespread basements, long heating seasons and energy-efficient construction let radon accumulate easily across the state. City of Hope Cancer Center reports that more than 40% of Illinois homes exceed the EPA action level, with some counties doubling it. Readings can vary house to house, so a neighbor’s results reveal nothing about yours.

When to Test

The CDC states, “Testing is the only way to know if there are high levels of radon in your home.” Use these milestones:

1. First test - If you have never checked, do so now.

2. Real estate transactions - Test before buying or selling.

3. Renovations - Measure before and after major projects.

4. New basement use - Test before converting lower levels into living space.

   
   

Interpreting Results and Acting

The EPA recommends mitigation at 4 pCi/L or higher, but any radon carries some risk, particularly for children, the elderly, and smokers. DIY kits are inexpensive but professional testing provides calibrated devices, controlled placement and detailed reports - indispensable when buying a home or verifying mitigation.

Cancer Survivor Week: Turn Awareness into Action

Choosing to test is an act of care. White Glove Building Inspections views radon screening like a routine physical - quick, affordable and reassuring. Book a professional test with your home inspection during Cancer Survivor Week (June 7 -13, 2026) and receive a discount to commemorate cancer survivors.

 If levels are high, a licensed mitigation contractor can typically install a reduction system that vents gas safely outdoors, often within a day. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency provides a wonderful resource page for finding licensed mitigation services and other information.

Take the Hidden Risk Seriously

Illinois emergency managers estimate radon causes more than 1,100 state lung cancer cases annually, every one preventable. Honor Cancer Survivor Week by protecting your household with a radon test.

Ready to schedule?

Schedule your radon test this week (June 7 – 13, 2026) and receive a discount:

📞 (630) 428-4555

🌐 whitegloveinspections.com

📍 Serving all of Chicagoland

Let’s honor the survivors of cancer by reducing the risk for others.