HEALTH
Radon contamination in Michigan: how do I find out if my area is affected?
Data from the Michigan state government shows residents are acutely in danger from dangerous levels of the element.
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has sent out alerts to residents about potentially dangerous levels of radon, the noble gas. According to the Michigan Indoor Radon Program, one in every four Michigan homes is expected to have radon levels that exceed the recommended federal action level of 4 pCi/L.
The government advises residents to get their Radon Test Kit or contact them by telephone for more information at 800-723-6642 (800-RADONGAS).
What are the dangers of radon?
The primary source of radon in indoor environments is the soil beneath buildings. As radon gas is released from the ground, it can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or other openings.
Once inside, radon can accumulate and potentially reach elevated levels. High concentrations of radon in indoor air can pose health risks, as radon decay products can be inhaled and damage lung tissue, increasing the risk of lung cancer. Radon is a significant cause of lung cancer, particularly among individuals who smoke, being the second biggest cause of lung cancer in the US.