January is National Radon Action Month, and the Department of Environmental Quality is collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan's local health departments on the "Radon:  Test, Fix, Save a Life" campaign.  The campaign is meant to encourage Michigan residents to test their homes for this tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas and, as necessary, to take action to reduce their exposure.

Radon is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among nonsmokers.  The EPA estimates that radon results in more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States, with more than 600 of those occurring in Michigan alone.

The DEQ is partnering with local health departments to ensure a source of low-cost test kits in every county.  Most local health departments offer the kits for $15 or less, and these kits include the postage back to an out-of-state laboratory, and the fees for having the device analyzed and a report sent back to the user.

For those who are homebound or simply cannot get to their local health department during normal business hours, test kits can be obtained online at http://mi.radon.com.  Like the local health department kits, these include postage and lab fees in the price.

Test kits may also be available from some hardware stores or home improvement centers, but not all include postage and analysis, so citizens are urged to read the packaging before making their purchase.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in almost any kind of soil or rock.  It travels through the ground, and when it is released to the atmosphere, it is quickly diluted.  When it enters a building through openings in the foundation floor or walls, it tends to be more concentrated than outdoors, and exposure over time increases one's risk of contracting lung cancer.

Radon levels can vary significantly from home to home, and testing your own home is the only way to know if your family is at risk.

For a list of local health department addresses and telephone numbers, visit www.michigan.gov/deqradonand select "Where to Get a Radon Test Kit" from the menu in the center section, or call the DEQ's Radon Program at 1‑800‑RADONGAS (1‑800‑723‑6642) for a free packet of information.

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"