January is National Radon Awareness Month. As real estate professionals, we typically talk about radon with new home buyers during the inspection contingency when the home can be tested before purchase, but we want you to think about it more than just at the beginning of home ownership. 

 A recent study put out by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy showed over 30%  of homes in Oakland County have elevated levels of Radon (17% in Wayne and 11% in Macomb)! 

The good news is that testing for radon is easy and affordable. You can purchase a radon test kit at your local home improvement store or online. Through the end of this month, local public health offices across the tri county are offering kits for free or as little as $5 (see information below). Simply place the kit in a room where you spend a lot of time, such as your living room or bedroom, and follow the instructions. You can also hire a professional to test your home. 

So what is Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes across the country. It is formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. While it may not seem like a big deal, radon can actually pose a serious health risk to families.

The biggest concern with radon is that it is a known carcinogen. In fact, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking. The risk of lung cancer increases with the amount of radon exposure, and long-term exposure can have serious consequences.

Symptoms of radon exposure are not always obvious and can take years to appear. However, if you or a family member is experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to get tested for radon exposure.

If your home tests positive for high levels of radon, there are ways to reduce the exposure. One of the most common solutions is to install a radon mitigation system. This involves sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and installing a ventilation system to help reduce radon levels.

Remember, radon testing is not a one-time thing. It is recommended to test your home every 2-5 years, as radon levels can fluctuate. Additionally, if you make any changes to your home, such as remodeling or adding a new level, it is important to test again to ensure that radon levels have not increased.

Lastly, It is important to note that radon levels can vary from home to home, even in the same neighborhood. That’s why it’s essential for every family to get their home tested for radon. Not only can it protect you and your loved ones from the potential health risks associated with radon exposure, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe.

For more information about radon, visit www.michigan.gov/egle or contact your local county health department’s environmental health division

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 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 for only $5.

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. 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.

Wayne county residents can call (734) 727-7400. Test kits are available free of charge by visiting the Wayne County Health Administration Building at 33030 Van Born Rd in wayne.