Radon Questions, Answered

EPA's Map of Radon Zones places Sangamon County, which includes Springfield, in Zone 1, the highest-potential category, along with neighboring Menard, Logan, Morgan, Cass and Macon counties. That's a county-level prediction. IEMA-OHS says elevated radon has been found throughout Illinois and that all homes should be tested.

EPA and IEMA-OHS recommend reducing your radon level if it is 4.0 pCi/L or more. EPA says to consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Yes. Under the Radon Industry Licensing Act (420 ILCS 44), anyone who tests for radon or mitigates it for pay in Illinois must be licensed by IEMA-OHS. You can check a license on the IEMA-OHS licensee search.

IEMA-OHS says an active mitigation system typically costs $1,000 to $1,500 to install, and the fan's electricity averages about $100 a year. Your quote depends on your foundation, what's under the slab, the pipe route and your starting level.

No. The Illinois Radon Awareness Act requires sellers to give buyers the IEMA-OHS radon pamphlet, the Illinois Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards, and any records of elevated radon they have, but it doesn't require testing or mitigation.

According to IEMA-OHS, landlords of units below the third story must give tenants a radon pamphlet and disclosure. Tenants have 90 days from the start of the lease to test, and if the result is above the action level and the landlord chooses not to mitigate, the tenant may terminate the lease.

Short-term tests stay in the home 2 to 90 days (most kits 2 to 7 days). Long-term tests run more than 90 days and better reflect your year-round average.

Illinois has required passive radon-reduction features in new homes since June 2013. Passive systems don't always lower radon enough, so test your home. If it's high, a licensed mitigator can often add a fan.

EPA recommends retesting at least every two years, and after major renovations such as finishing a basement.

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