Recent radon gas testing conducted on Michigan homes  found approximately one in five of over 3,700 residences tested exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended level of 4 picocuries per liter.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and rock that dilutes in outdoor air. When radon leaks into a home through openings in the foundation floor or walls, it can accumulate to unhealthy levels, and exposure over time increases one’s risk of lung cancer. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, and reports in Michigan estimate that more than 600 new lung cancer cases could be attributable to indoor radon each year.

“The response to Radon Action Month was tremendous, and we encourage those who have not tested their homes to do so this year,” said Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Steve Chester. “When elevated levels of radon are found, action can be taken to reduce those levels and keep our families safe.”

Test kits are available from local health departments all across the state. The cost generally ranges 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.

To find out more about radon, visit the DEQ website 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.

—Michigan Department of Environmental Quality