March 22, 2006

Citizens across Michigan took part in January's Radon Action Month by testing their homes for the colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Results from these tests confirmed that elevated radon levels are prevalent in Michigan, with nearly one in four exceeding the guidelines established to protect the public health.

Radon is naturally occurring in soil and rock and normally dilutes naturally in the atmosphere, however, when it enters homes through openings in the foundation floor and walls, it can accumulate to unhealthy levels. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, and a November 2002 report by the Michigan Public Health Institute estimated that more than 600 new lung cancer cases could be attributable to indoor radon each year.

Of the more than 4,000 kits returned to the lab in January and February as part of Radon Action Month, 1,011 were at or above the EPA action guideline. Test kits remain available from local health departments all across the state, with the cost ranging from $5 to $15, including postage and lab fees. Kits are also available from some home improvement centers and hardware stores, but not all retail kits include postage and analysis, so citizens are urged to carefully read the packaging before making their purchase.

Radon tests should be done in the lowest livable level of the home during the cooler months of the year, when windows and doors are normally kept closed. If the test indicates an elevated radon level, additional testing should be done to confirm the problem and appropriate actions taken to reduce the levels when needed.

It is possible to reduce radon levels by simply caulking and sealing potential entry points; however, it may be necessary for homeowners showing elevated levels to hire a professional radon mitigation contractor to ensure the levels in their home are reduced.

To find out more about radon, visit the DEQ Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqradon or call the DEQ Radon Program at 1-800-RADON GAS (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”

Revised March 22, 2006 by Pat Watson