It is easy and inexpensive to detect and remove radon. If a radon test kit detects unsafe radon levels, the health department offers free consultation to assist residents in solving the problem, including linking them with certified contractors who can install an inexpensive mitigation system. Radon can be a problem in all types of homes, including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. “Testing your home for radon is the only way for you and your family to know if radon levels are dangerously high,” said Scott Kendzierski, Director of Environmental Health for the health department. Radon has been found in many northern Michigan homes. About 12% of homes across the state have high radon levels, with some counties reporting as high as 45% of homes with unsafe levels of the deadly gas. “We’ve identified some homes in our area with indoor concentrations five times the EPA action level of 4 piC/l. Last year, several area homes were found to contain unsafe levels of radon, ranging from 4 piC/l to 22 piC/l,” Kendzierski said.

Health department staff helped these homeowners to select inexpensive mitigation systems to lower radon levels in their houses.

There are no obvious signs of radon. You can't see or smell it because radon is a colorless, odorless gas. Radon gas is a naturally occurring byproduct of the radioactive decay of small amounts of radium and uranium, commonly found in bedrock and soil. Most soils in northwest Michigan contain some amount of these radioactive elements. As they breakdown, radon gas moves through small spaces in soils and rock and can enter buildings through openings in foundation floors or walls.

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking in the United States. EPA estimates 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon.

The Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency is the local health department serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. Its staff is dedicated to preventing disease and injury and promoting healthy communities. For additional information about radon exposure in your home, contact Kendzierski at (231) 547-7651 or call toll-free (800) RADON GAS.