A new law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, will help people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their homes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) radon program is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under this new law.

Public Act 97-0021, which was approved by the Illinois General Assembly this spring and signed by Gov. Quinn on June 28, 2011, requires owners of rental units to inform renters in writing before a lease is signed if the rental space has been tested for radon and that a radon hazard may exist. If the rental unit hasn’t been tested, a renter can conduct a do-it-yourself radon test or ask the owner to test by hiring a licensed radon contractor. If a renter conducts a radon test in the rental unit and results show high radon levels, the renter should inform the building owner in writing.

IEMA recommends that all rental units below the third floor be tested for radon.

Read the full press release
Radon Guide For Tenants

This winter has been colder than normal in many parts of the country with extended periods when the temperatures stayed below freezing. As a result, many mitigators received phone calls from homeowners about problems with their mitigation systems. The symptoms are generally that the fan continues to run normally but the u-tube manometer gauge reads zero or the u-tube reading has dropped below its normal reading. The problem is caused by ice that has formed in the pipe, usually at the top. The ice is caused by condensation that forms inside the pipe from the air being drawn through the cold pipe. (more…)

This year’s AARST Symposium introduced what turned out to be an exceedingly popular and well-received segment: “Houses from Radon Heck.” Mitigators and other radon professionals empathized and identified with the experiences presented by a panel of respected radon mitigators that included Jay Brown, Gary Hodgden, Deane Mickle and Jack Hughes.

The following is an excerpt from Jay Brown’s “Houses from Radon Heck.”  Click to view story

IEMA study finds that 42 percent of homes tested in Illinois had excess levels of cancer-causing radon

SPRINGFIELD – Citing a state study that shows 42 percent of homes tested in Illinois had excess levels of radon, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged people to test their homes for the cancer-causing radioactive gas during Radon Action Month in January. The study, conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, examined results from nearly 72,000 home tests conducted by professional contractors and homeowners between 2003 – 2007.  Download PDF or read (more…)