Are you aware that approximately one out of every four homes in Michigan is projected to have radon levels surpassing the recommended federal action level?

This is significant as radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, following smoking. Radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. The only method to determine if radon levels are high in your home is through testing.

Radon and Radon Testing

• Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has the potential to induce lung cancer. It infiltrates residences from the earth and can accumulate to hazardous concentrations.
• Radon is invisible and has no smell. Testing is the sole method to determine if you and your loved ones are vulnerable to radon exposure.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General advise conducting radon testing in all residences located below the third floor.
• Radon levels have been detected at elevated levels in all states, underscoring the importance of testing in every home, regardless of location.
• Radon ranks as the second primary contributor to lung cancer in the U.S., resulting in approximately 20,000 annual deaths from this disease.
• Radon-induced lung cancer can be effectively avoided through the testing and mitigation of homes as needed.

It is estimated that elevated radon levels are present in one out of every 15 homes in the United States.

Millions of Americans have already had their homes tested for radon.

Radon Mitigation

• When correctly installed, mitigation systems consistently lower indoor radon levels below the EPA's action threshold.
• Discover a skilled radon mitigation specialist capable of creating and implementing a tailored radon mitigation system for your property.
• Mitigating radon can be a life-saving measure that brings peace of mind to homeowners.
• If the radon concentration in a residence measures 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or above, the EPA advises addressing the issue promptly.
• Renovating a residence involves the use of basic materials and technology, making it a simple process. The cost of installing a mitigation system is comparable to that of typical home repairs.
  

Radon and Real Estate Transactions

• Purchasers have the right to request radon test results from homeowners and inquire about any radon mitigation systems in place.
• Buyers have the option to conduct their own evaluations as well.
• Real estate agents can advise sellers to conduct a home radon test before listing it and, if needed, reduce radon levels. Quick radon tests are readily accessible.
• Radon-resistant features can be incorporated into the construction of new homes in Michigan. See Michigan Department of Environment, Resource on Radon Resistant Construction for more information.

Most radon mitigation systems can be installed without significant alterations to your home and typically come at a cost similar to other common home repairs. Implementing a radon mitigation system can enhance your confidence in the safety of your living environment.

Resources



• Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction
• How to Protect Your Family from Radon When Buying a Newly Built Home
• CDC's Radon homepage
• EPA's Radon homepage
• The Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon