January 5, 2005

January is National Radon Action Month and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in encouraging that all homes be tested for radon.

Noting that radon is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and may result in more than 600 lung cancer deaths in Michigan each year, Director Chester urged state residents to make a point of getting a radon test kit and testing their homes within the next few weeks.

“Radon is a serious health threat,” Director Chester noted, “the gas is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, and it doesn’t cause any warning symptoms, so you don’t know it’s there unless you test.”

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas found in almost any kind of soil or rock. It comes from the radioactive decay of uranium and radium, elements that are common in our environment, Director Chester explained. In the outdoor air, radon gets diluted, and it isn’t much of a problem, but indoors it can accumulate to unhealthy levels. Exposure over time can increase your risk of lung cancer.

Michigan survey data shows that nearly one in eight homes would be expected to have an elevated radon level, and in some counties more than 45 percent of homes would be expected to have a problem.

Testing is easy and inexpensive, and test kits are available at local health departments all across the state. The cost generally ranges from $5 to $15, including postage and lab fees, but some health departments are offering special deals for Radon Action Month.

If a problem is found, elevated radon levels can commonly be reduced using a system that vents the gases from underneath the foundation. The systems are usually installed in a day or less and generally cost between $800 and $1,500, depending on your foundation type.

For a free information packet, call the DEQ Radon Program at 1-800-RADON GAS (1 800 723 6642).

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

Revised January 5, 2005 by Pat Watson