January 26, 2007

As part of National Radon Month, the Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging home builders and buyers to consider radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) when building homes. Michigan survey data projects more than one in eight Michigan homes could have a radon problem, and elevated radon levels have been found in every county in the state.

"Radon-resistant new construction is easy, inexpensive, and most importantly, effective," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "A system installed during construction can help to significantly reduce radon levels in a home and keep our families safe."

RRNC is already required by the Michigan residential code in nine high-radon potential counties: Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, St. Joseph, and Washtenaw.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that emanates from the soil and seeps into homes through openings in the foundation floor or walls. Outdoors, radon becomes diluted and poses little health risk, but indoors, radon can accumulate to unhealthy levels.

RRNC allows the gas to bypass the house and be vented out through the roof into the atmosphere where it can be quickly diluted and dispersed. The process of building a radon-resistant home is relatively easy and inexpensive, with costs typically ranging between $350 and $500, while retrofitting an existing home generally ranges from $800 to $1,500.

Potential new home buyers can consult with the DEQ or their local health department about radon levels in their community and decide whether RRNC is right for them. RRNC does not guarantee low radon levels, so residents are still encouraged to test after construction is completed and the house is in livable condition.

Test kits are available from local health departments all across the state. The kits generally cost less than $15 and include postage to mail the testing device to a laboratory where it will be analyzed and the results reported back to the user.

For more detailed information about radon and RRNC, 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 January 26, 2007 by Pat Watson