The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging Lawrence County and other state residents to take time in the near future to test their homes for radon. Radon health risks are preventable with a simple home detection test. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The odorless, colorless and tasteless gas is found all over the country in the air of buildings, homes, and offices and is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in the soil. If not properly mitigated, radon can reach levels high enough to cause major health concerns. It is estimated that more than 1100 people across Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. It enters structures through cracks or other holes in the foundation or crawlspace. A radon home test is simple and inexpensive.