Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Smoke-Free Illinois Act to Now Include Electronic Smoking Devices

New Law Began on January 1st

CHAMPAIGN, IL – As of January 1, 2024, The Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA) now prohibits the use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other electronic smoking devices in public places, places of employment, and within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, open window, or ventilation intake. Businesses are required to update their signage to explicitly include vaping and e-cigarette use. These signs must be strategically placed within clear view for both employees and patrons.

According to the Smoke-Free Illinois website, an electronic cigarette is defined as “any product containing or delivering nicotine, or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. Electronic cigarette includes any such product, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen or under any other product name or descriptor.”

To assist businesses in complying with the updated regulations free printable signage is accessible at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov. Additionally, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will soon provide new signage, along with instructions for businesses on how to request these updated materials.

As the designated local enforcement agency for the Smoke-Free Illinois Act in Champaign County, CUPHD holds the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the community. Individuals witnessing violations of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act can report complaints conveniently through the CUPHD website at www.c-uphd.org/submit-smoking-complaint.html.

To support a smooth transition for local businesses and patrons adapting to the updated Act, CUPHD has implemented a 'grace period' extending until March 31st, 2024. During this period, complaints regarding 

Advocates for Aging Care and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Launch Survey January 15

"Your Voice Matters: A Survey of Older Adults and Family Caregivers in Champaign County” Aims to Understand the Needs for County’s Aging Population

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Advocates for Aging Care (AAC), formerly Advocates for Nursing Home Care, in collaboration with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), will launch the survey titled, “Your Voice Matters: A Survey of Older Adults and Family Caregivers in Champaign County” on January 15. The survey aims to gather insights from adults aged 60 and older, as well as family caregivers, to better understand the experiences and needs in caring for Champaign County’s senior population. The survey will assess access, interest, and utilization of rehabilitation, long-term, nursing home care, and related services and facilities in Champaign County. The results will be used to develop a plan to meet gaps in services. These results will be combined with a provider survey being conducted by CUPHD as well as a market study conducted by an outside consultant. The complete results are expected to be finalized this spring.

The effort was initiated in May 2023 after AAC identified a deficit of 300 nursing home beds in Champaign County, based on calculations by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This initiative followed the closure of three nursing home facilities in Champaign County, along with the downsizing of nursing home beds by Clark-Lindsey. The committee is joined in its endeavor by a community collaborative, comprising local health care and social service agencies, as well as representatives from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The survey will be accessible through social media channels managed by CUPHD, Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, and Christie Clinic; the AAC website; as well as other in-person and online distribution channels.

Jennifer Schroeder,
Environmental Health Specialist II
217-531-2929 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Home Radon Testing During Radon Action Month

Radon Gas Causes More Than 20,000 Lung Cancer Deaths in the Country Every Year; Champaign County’s Tested Homes on Average are Above the Radon Action Level

CHAMPAIGN, IL – January is National Radon Action Month, and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages citizens to learn more about the threat of radon and to test their homes, schools, and workplaces for its presence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to indoor radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released into the air from decaying matter in rocks, soil and water. While levels in outdoor air are relatively harmless, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. Radon is an invisible threat; it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The only way to detect radon is to perform a radon test.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has home radon test kits currently available for $7.00, which can be picked up at the Environmental Health Division at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A free t-shirt is also available with purchase until supplies run out. The test kits provided by CUPHD are safe and easy to use.

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher should be mitigated. Nationally, the average home reading is about 1.3 pCi/L. The average outdoor reading is about 0.4 pCi/L. The average radon level in tested Champaign County homes is 4.9 which is above the action level. A list of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals