By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – A new state law taking effect Sunday will allow Illinois renters access to information on whether a home has been tested for radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas known to cause lung cancer. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, owners of rental units must inform tenants before a lease is signed whether the place has been tested for radon. If testing hasn't been done, tenants can do it themselves or ask the owner to do it. IEMA says if levels are high, the tenant should tell the owner in writing. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause among non-smokers. There are an estimated 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year in Illinois.