LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The same day that Governor Gretchen Whitmer was sworn into office for the second time, she declared January to be set apart as Radon Action Month.
“Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that occurs as a result of the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock,” the Governor said in a statement, “It sometimes enters homes through openings in the foundation floor or walls.”
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While the leading cause of lung cancer comes from cigarette smoking according to the American Cancer Society, the second leading cause of lung cancer is radon. Scientists estimate that roughly 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year can be attributed to radon.
“Michigan ranks above the national average of 63 per 100,000 people for lung and bronchus cancer incidents,” according to Michigan officials. Additionally, every one in four Michigan homes have radon levels that exceed the recommended federal action level.
The Class A carcinogen is a silent killer that does not give any warning symptoms as other toxic materials sometimes do. Therefore, the only way to know whether you are being exposed to “elevated radon levels,” is to have a radon test performed. Some groups that support testing for radon and are taking steps to reduce elevated radon levels include:
American Lung Association
American Medical Association
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Centers for Disease Control
Environmental Protection Agency
International Commission on Radiological Protection
National Academy of Science
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement
U.S. Surgeon General
World Health Organization
“Testing is recommended every two years because homes settle, new cracks form in the foundation and radon levels can change,” according to Michigan officials.
Last year’s National Radon Awareness Week took place at the end of Jan. 24-28 for the purpose of raising awareness about risks and encouraging prevention by highlighting a different theme each day of the week according to the CDC.
To find certified testers in Michigan, consider visiting the Radon Testers and Mitigators page for assistance.
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