You don't experience headaches, nausea, fatigue, skin rashes, or other irritations that could let you know that something is wrong, and prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring gas resulting from the radioactive decay of radium, which is a natural decay product of uranium, both of which are found in at least trace amounts in almost any kind of soil and rock. Outdoors, it is diluted by the atmosphere, but indoors it tends to be more concentrated and can accumulate to unhealthy levels. According to a Michigan survey, elevated levels of radon would be expected in one out of eight homes in Michigan. The only way to know whether a home has elevated radon levels is to test it.
Testing is easy and inexpensive.
Homeowners are cautioned to use only EPA-listed test kits or testing companies, however. Tests should be conducted under closed-house conditions, so winter is the ideal time to screen your home for radon. Of course, once a problem is identified, it should be confirmed through further testing, and elevated radon levels should be reduced. To see the Governor's Radon Action Week Proclamation, click here .