Do You Know Your Number?
- Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The action level recommended is 4pCi/L.
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (The leading cause is smoking.)
- It is naturally occurring and is found in almost any kind of soil or rock in at least trace amounts.
- It is tasteless, odorless, colorless, and radioactive.
- It enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls (sump openings, crawlspace, floor/wall joints, cracks, etc.)
- It has no warning symptoms. (It does not cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.; the only known health effect is an increased risk of lung cancer.)
- Nearly one in eight Michigan homes would be expected to have elevated radon levels. In Jackson County, one in six could have an elevated level.
- In some counties, as many as 45% of the homes could have a problem!
- Testing is easy and inexpensive.
Test Kits
Testing homes is very simple. You can purchase test kits from your local Health Department, hardware store, and other retail outlets. You can also contact a private certified radon professional servicing your area.
Cost at Jackson County Health Department:
Short Term Test Kits (3-7 days) - $11
Remember
- Radon problems are "fixable."
- The only way to know if your home has elevated radon level is to test!
Additional Resources
