Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. You cannot see, taste or smell radon, but it can silently seep into homes and buildings. Radon enters buildings through cracks and openings in foundations, including floor and wall joints, sump openings, and crawl spaces. Outdoors the air dilutes radon, but the gas can become concentrated indoors at unhealthy levels.

Next to smoking, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for approximately 14,000 to 20,000 deaths each year in the United States. A statewide survey indicates that elevated levels of radon would be found in one out of eight homes in Michigan. Up to 10 percent of the homes in Genesee County may have elevated levels of radon, placing some area residents at risk of developing lung cancer from prolonged exposure. Yet, less than 1 percent of homes in Genesee County have been tested for radon gas. The only way to find out if a home has elevated levels is to conduct a test.

Testing is easy and inexpensive. Free test kits are available from your local health department. Some hardware stores, home centers, and other retail outlets also sell the do-it-yourself test kits. Professional testing services are also available. The Genesee County Health Department recommends testing your home for Radon during winter months, as results are more accurate when performed under closed-house conditions.

To learn more about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at, (810) 257-3603, or by calling the toll-free radon information line, 1-800-RADON GAS (1-800-723-6642).