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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- The state of Illinois is urging residents to test their homes for radon.

Radon Action Week is Oct. 18 to 24, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency contends many people don't know if their homes have high levels of the gas.

The department says the colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.

The department also says statistics show nearly 1,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur in Illinois every year.

Officials say homes in every Illinois county have tested positive for high levels of radon, which enters buildings through small cracks.

Authorities say radon test kits are available at local stores or homeowners can hire a radon measurement contractor.

On the Net: http://www.radon.illinois.gov.

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