January 6, 2025
As winter sets in, the focus turns to Radon Action Month, emphasizing the critical need to understand the risks associated with radon gas. Invisible and odorless, radon may silently threaten your household, potentially raising the risk of lung cancer, particularly during the colder months when families are more likely to stay indoors.
Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil, and it can infiltrate homes through foundation cracks. Outdoors, radon disperses in the air, but indoors, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency identifies radon as the top cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
In Michigan, it’s estimated that 25% of homes exceed the recommended radon action level. Testing is the only method to determine radon levels in a residence, and it is advisable to test every two years due to potential changes in home structure and radon accumulation. When radon levels meet or surpass the action threshold, mitigating measures are crucial for health safety.
During January, residents in Barry and Eaton counties can access free, do-it-yourself radon test kits. These kits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a one-kit-per-address policy. Once the test is conducted, residents are to send the sample to a lab using the provided pre-paid packaging. Kits are available at the following locations:
- Hastings: BEDHD Office, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave. (269) 945-9516
- Charlotte: BEDHD Office, 1033 Healthcare Dr. (517) 543-2430
- Lansing: Delta Township Hall, Assessing Department, 7710 W. Saginaw Hwy. (517) 323-8520
- Delton: Delton District Library, 330 N. Grove St. (269) 623-8040
For further information on radon and testing procedures, visit www.epa.gov/radon.
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