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Radon Test Results Show High Levels in Courthouse Basement
The levels of radon detected in many areas of the basement in the Knox County Courthouse are unacceptable by some standards.

That was reported in the results of radon testing done in December at the courthouse and made available to to WGIL Monday.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends a level not greater than 4 pico-curries per liter of air.

Nearly all of the 23 sample readings taken by Carnow Conibear, the firm hired to conduct the tests, were higher than 4 pico-curries.

The law library in the basement reads about 9.6 picco-curries and the coroner's office was as high as 24 pico-curries.

Neither of the rooms are occupied by county employees full time. Readings taken during testings ranged from 2.2 pico-curries to 28.5.

The courthouse currently has a radon remediation system in place but the report mentions a fan used in that system, to de-pressurize the basement is made for residential use only.

Members of the Knox County Building Committee voted last week to halt any futhur renovations associated with the $3 million revamp of the courthouse until members could fully study mold, asbestos, and radon testing results.

Tests results for mold and asbestos were also made available and show remediation of those issues would need to be taken care of during renovations as well.
04 19 11 by Newsroom
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