New Radon Law Helps Renters

New Radon Law Helps Renters

Watseka, IL – A new law went into effect on January 1, 2012 that helps people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their homes.  According to Terry Eimen, Director of Environmental Health for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department,   the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under the new law.    Eimen said IEMA has developed a brochure called, “Radon Guide for Tenants”  that provides renters with information about radon and how they can learn more about the levels of radon in their homes.  “The guide has information about radon hazards and testing as well as listings of licensed radon measurement and mitigation contractors,” said Eimen.  “Renters can find the guide at www.radon.illinois.gov or call 217-782-1325 to get a copy,” he said. 

Public Act 97-0021, 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 if 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.  If the renter conducts a test and the test results show a high radon level, the renter should inform the building owner in writing so mitigation can take place.

Radon is known to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the leading cause of cancer among non-smokers.  IEMA is recommending that all rental units below the third floor be tested for radon.  Test kits are available for free at the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department offices in Paxton and Watseka.  “Our agency is advising renters to make sure they have their rental space tested,” said Eimen.   “When levels of radon reach levels above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air, action is needed,” he said.  Eimen added, “It is estimated that the risk of developing lung cancer at that level is about seven lung cancer deaths per 1,000 persons.  It is definitely worth the small amount of time it takes to conduct the test in order to protect your family from this radioactive gas.”