Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and there are no short-term side effects of being exposed to it. Long-term exposure, however, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and, next to smoking, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, has released an online interactive map that shows the results, by zip code, for first-time indoor radon tests.
Rusty Flewelling with the Kent County Health Department says that the best way to know if you have elevated levels of radon in your home is to test for them.
“We give out what are called short-term radon tests all through January. They’re very easy. It’s basically an envelope that you open up and hang in your basement or the lowest level of your home that you use for up to a week. You mail it right back to the lab and you’ll get test results usually in about 2 to 4 weeks.”
You can pick up a free radon test kit at the Kent County Health Department and view the indoor radon results map at Michigan.gov/EGLE
