The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois have announced the statewide launch of an initiative to encourage home builders to install activated radon mitigation systems in new homes.  The systems reduce levels of radon, a radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall.  The announcement of the Radon Excellence Program coincides with national 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 is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.  Elevated levels of the radioactive gas have been found in all 102 Illinois counties.  IEMA estimates nearly 1,200 Illinois citizens die from radon-related lung cancer each year.  For more information about the Radon Excellence Program, visit the ALAIL website at www.healthhouse.org.  Additional information about radon, including lists of licensed radon measurement and mitigation contractors, is available on IEMA’s radon webpage at www.radon.illinois.gov.