County officials urge homeowners to test for radon

By: Mary Beth Almond | Metro | Published January 24, 2023

 Radon test kits, including this one by Air Check Inc., are available at local health departments across the state for at-home radon testing.

Radon test kits, including this one by Air Check Inc., are available at local health departments across the state for at-home radon testing.

Image provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Macomb County Health Department

 The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s map of Michigan includes the percentage of elevated radon test results by county. According to the data, 29% of homes in Oakland County test above the action level, 11% in Macomb County have elevated radon levels and 17% of homes in Wayne  County test above the state’s radon action level.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s map of Michigan includes the percentage of elevated radon test results by county. According to the data, 29% of homes in Oakland County test above the action level, 11% in Macomb County have elevated radon levels and 17% of homes in Wayne County test above the state’s radon action level.

Image provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Macomb County Health Department

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METRO DETROIT — A simple test, available at a discount from local county health divisions this month, can help residents check their homes for a nearly undetectable health hazard.

Radon, a cancer-causing, naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and rock, enters homes through openings in the foundation or walls — wherever the foundation is in contact with the soil.

The invisible, odorless gas is usually harmless outdoors, but it can be a health hazard when trapped in a building or home, according to health officials.

Experts say radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.

The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it, and experts say the cold winter months are the best time to test.

“Testing your home is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk of radon exposure, since you cannot see, smell or taste radon,” Calandra Green, health officer for the Oakland County Health Division, said in a prepared statement.

During January, which is National Radon Action Month, the Oakland County Health Department is offering radon test kits at half price, for $5, while the Macomb County Health Department is giving the kits to residents for free while supplies last.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, nearly 30% of homes tested in Oakland County have had elevated levels of radon, compared to 11% of homes tested in Macomb County and 17% of homes tested in Wayne County.

“Radon is an invisible, odorless gas, so you don’t know when you are being exposed to it,” said Claudia Terrell, chief of public health for Oakland County. “It can seep in through cracks in your home and accumulate at dangerous levels, so if you are spending time in your basement and there are levels that are accumulating down there, you could get exposure.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. surgeon general recommend testing all homes for radon.

In Oakland County, test kits are available at health division offices at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34E in Pontiac; and the South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road in Southfield. If high levels of radon are found, homeowners are urged to contact the Oakland County Health Division’s Environmental Health Services.

In Macomb County, test kits are available at two Macomb County Health Department locations free of charge — Central Health Center, 43525 Elizabeth Road in Mount Clemens and the Southwest Health Service Center, 27690 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren. Individuals must call ahead to reserve their test kits for pickup; offices are open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. If high levels of radon are found, homeowners are urged to contact the Macomb County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services at (586) 469-5236.

“We encourage all Macomb County homeowners to get their homes tested,” Andrew Cox, director and health officer of the Macomb County Health Department, said in a statement.

In Wayne County, residents can pick up radon testing kits free of charge by visiting the Wayne County Health Administration Building, 33030 Van Born Road in Wayne. Visitors should enter the east wing of the building.

The cost of making repairs to reduce radon levels depends on the design of the home and the extent of the radon problem. Officials say that to fix the issue in an average house costs about $1,500, although repairs can range from about $500 to $2,500.

Homeowners should retest for radon every two years, according to officials, because their houses or the ground can shift.

“Remember, each home is unique. Just because your neighbor has a low level does not mean you will have a low level in your home,” Cox said in a prepared statement.

For more information about radon, visit www.michigan.gov/deqradon or contact your local county health department’s environmental health division to obtain a list of contractors who have completed the federal or state radon remediation training programs.

Oakland County homeowners can contact the Oakland County Health Division’s Environmental Health Services at (248) 858-1312 in Pontiac or (248) 424-7191 in Southfield.

Macomb residents can call the Macomb County Health Department at (586) 469-5236 for the Mount Clemens location or (586) 465-8030 for the Warren location.

Wayne county residents can call (734) 727-7400.

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