Cold weather might put a damper on outdoor activities, but according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency it’s a great time to test your home for cancer-causing radon gas that has been found in nearly 40 percent of Illinois homes tested.  IEMA is encouraging people to test for radon during Radon Action Month in January.  Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil.  It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces.  Elevated levels of the radioactive gas have been found in all 102 Illinois counties.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall in the U.S.  IEMA estimates nearly 1,200 Illinois citizens die from radon-related lung cancer each year.  The website at www.radon.illinois.gov includes information about radon and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals.  Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.