January Is Radon Awareness Month
HDNW Urges Residents to Test Their Homes
January is Randon Awareness Month, and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is reminding residents that one in four homes in Michigan may have elevated radon levels.
“Radon is a gas you cannot see, smell, or taste, but it can pose serious health risks if left undetected,” says Jeremy Fruk, Director of Environmental Health at HDNW. “Testing your home is easy and inexpensive, and it helps to keep your family safe and healthy. During the winter, homes are closed more tightly, which can cause radon levels to rise, making winter a great time to test.”
Give a Can, Get a Kit!
Throughout January, HDNW is offering its annual “Give a Can, Get a Kit!” for all residents in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. At HDNW offices, staff members are exchanging home radon kits for either a nonperishable food item or a $5 donation. All food and monetary contributions collected through “Give a Can, Get a Kit!” will be donated to local food pantries in each county.
In past years, HDNW received and donated 324 nonperishable food items and gave out 132 radon kits, supporting the vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of soil and rock. It can enter homes through openings or cracks in foundation floors or walls. Any home, regardless of age or location, can have radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. The good news is that radon exposure can be prevented by testing your home.
Protect Your Family
HDNW recommends that each home should be tested and retested every two to five years. If high levels are found, there are proven ways to lower radon and make your home safe.
For more information on radon and how to use a radon test kit visit nwhealth.org/radon. To find out more about Radon in Michigan visit www.epa.gov/radon. To stay updated on all health-related news, subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.
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