(Chelsea Update would like to thank Angela Parson for the information in this story.)
January is National Radon Action Month, and the Washtenaw County Health Department is encouraging residents to test their homes for this harmful gas. Radon test kits are $5 instead of $10 through the end of February at the Washtenaw County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division and other local municipal offices.
Radon is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas found in nearly all types of soil and rock. Radon can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, hollow-block walls, floor/wall joints, and openings around floor drains and sump pumps. It can become trapped inside and build up to unsafe levels. Due to the geology in this area, it is common to see high levels of radon in Washtenaw County homes.
“Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the United States,” says Kristen Schweighoefer, MPH, RS, environmental health director. “Every home in Washtenaw County should be tested for radon, and homes with elevated levels should be fixed. Winter is the best time to test because homes are closed tight, and people are spending more time indoors. This gives us the worst-case scenario and the best indication of risk.”
“Radon exposure has no warning signs,” continues Schweighoefer. “Being exposed to radon doesn’t cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, or similar symptoms. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon exposure.”
Pick up a $5 radon test kit at one of the following locations through the end of February. Radon test kits will remain available for purchase at these locations after February at the regular price of $10. Some locations may have additional charges for using a credit card.
Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division – Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. daily). Located in the Western County Service Center at 705 N Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Sharon Township Hall – Open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Located at 18010 Pleasant Lake Road, Manchester, MI 48158.
Homes should be tested for radon every two to five years since new cracks can form in the foundation and radon levels can change. In addition, if a home has a radon mitigation system, testing every two years is recommended to ensure the system is functioning properly.
Although no level of radon is considered safe, the EPA recommends taking action when levels are above 4.0 pCi/L inside a home. If a home is found to have elevated levels, the radon can be reduced by installing a mitigation system. Depending on the home and contractor, a typical radon mitigation system costs from $1,000 – $2,000.
For more information, visit washtenaw.org/radon.
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
Visit washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates; sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
