LENAWEE CO. — January is Radon Action Month, and health officials are urging Lenawee County residents to test their homes for radon gas.
The Lenawee County Health Department reports that an estimated one in every two homes in Lenawee County has radon levels above the federal action level. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure causes more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths nationwide each year. Radon enters homes through cracks and openings in foundations, floors, walls, and around plumbing or wiring.
The EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy say most buildings in Lenawee County are expected to exceed the federal action level of 4 picocuries (PEE-koh-KYOO-reez) per liter.
Because radon is colorless and odorless, testing is the only way to detect it. During January, the Lenawee County Health Department is offering free radon test kits.
Residents can pick up a kit at the health department or call 517-264-5214 for more information.