January 16, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed January 2004 to be Radon Action Month in Michigan, and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Steven E. Chester is joining her in encouraging state residents to test their homes for radon.

Noting that radon is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among nonsmokers, Governor Granholm stated in her proclamation, “I urge all citizens of our state to become personally educated about this environmental health threat and to test their homes during this heating season.”

“Winter is the best time to test for radon because doors and windows need to be closed during the test, and it is easier to maintain closed house conditions during colder weather,” said DEQ Director Steven Chester. He also pointed out that January is a time for making healthy resolutions, and “[t]esting your home for radon is a good way to find out whether your family is at risk.”

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.

Michigan survey data show 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.

Director Chester cautioned citizens about complacency. “Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, so you cannot detect it with your senses, but that does not mean it is not there,” he said. “Any home in Michigan could have a problem, and the only way to know whether your home is affected is to test it.”

Test kits are available at local health departments and generally cost between $5 and $15. That price includes the postage to mail the device to an out-of-state laboratory and the fees for having the device analyzed, and a report sent back to the user. Kits can also be found at some hardware stores and other retail outlets, but not all include postage and analysis, so citizens are urged to read the packaging before making their purchase.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that about 15,000 Americans die annually from radon-related lung cancer, and a November 2002 report by the Michigan Public Health Institute, entitled “The Cancer Burden in Michigan: Selected Statistics [1985 2000],” estimated 610 new lung cancer cases in Michigan were attributable to indoor radon in 2002.

“This is an easily preventable lung cancer risk,” Director Chester said. “Resolve to take action this month to find out more about radon and to test your home.”

Call the DEQ’s 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 http://www.deq.state.mi.us)

Revised January 16, 2004 by Scott Olin