TESTING YOUR WATER FOR RADON IN KANE COUNTY
We use water for so many different purposes, day after day. Drinking, cooking, bathing. However, many of us aren’t aware of all the toxins that can be hidden within our water, such as radon. Radon is a silent killer. Because it has no odor or taste, radon levels in homes and businesses can become dangerous without occupants even knowing. Radon is a widespread problem, and simply assuming it won’t be a concern for you can be quite dangerous. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
There are two ways radon can infiltrate your home: through the air and through the water supply. Because all types of homes have the potential to experience issues with radon, it is smart to have your home’s water checked on a regular basis to make sure your family is breathing safe air and drinking safe water. For a comprehensive test of your water’s quality, including screens for radon and many other toxins, reach out to Prairie State Water Solutions. They will send a technician to your home to thoroughly test your water, implementing any necessary strategies to bring your water back to safe levels.
WHAT IS RADON AND HOW DANGEROUS IS IT?
Radon is a gas that results from the decomposition of underground uranium. Once present, radon can build up in groundwater, which makes it a big concern for those who get their water from a well. When water containing radon is used for daily purposes, it harms us by getting into the air we breathe, as well as staying in the water we drink or cook with. The EPA and U.S. Surgeon General’s Office classify 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year as being caused by radon.
RADON IN MY DRINKING WATER?
Though more people are aware of the danger of radon in indoor air, there is also a concern for radon in a home’s water supply. Lung cancer has been caused by radon from water reaching the air and being breathed, while cases of stomach cancer have been linked to drinking water with high levels of radon. This whole concern can be eliminated by having your water tested to guarantee the absence of radon and other life-threatening toxins. Breathe your air and drink your water without any fear after having your water tested.
RADON IN KANE COUNTY
Unfortunately, Kane County has experienced problems with radon over the years. 10,000 homes and buildings throughout Kane County were tested for radon between 2003 and 2011, and the overall results are frightening. Nearly half of these locations had radon levels at or above 4pCi/L, which is considered a dangerously high level. Illinois, overall, has problematic radon levels, with 36% of tested homes demonstrating unsafe levels. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified Kane County as Zone 1 for radon, meaning that the entire county is at the highest risk for radon concerns, based on criteria such as soil permeability, geology, and indoor radon measurements. Residents of St. Charles, Batavia, South Elgin, and surrounding areas are encouraged to test the safety of their water.
TESTING YOUR WATER FOR RADON
Because some toxins, such as radon, cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste, it can be scary to consider that your home’s drinking water might not be safe. The only way to know for sure is to have your water’s quality tested. Water is at a heightened risk for containing radon when it is drawn from a well. If your water comes from a well, it should be tested every year. If your water comes from your municipal water supply, there is less of a need to have it tested as regularly. However, if you notice a change in the taste or appearance of your water, have it tested right away to determine whether or not your water is still safe to use and consume.