Date Published: 01/15/2020 [Source]
The Livingston County Health Department has run out of free radon test kits but continues to encourage local residents to test their homes.
The Livingston County Health Department distributed more test kits than ever before at over 2,000 - compared to the typical 500-600. The kits were being offered during the month of January to promote Radon Action Awareness Month, which the health department does annually.
Radon gas is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the radioactive decay of uranium in the soil. The gas is tasteless, odorless and colorless but also has no warning symptoms. Based on the number of homes tested, radon is present in elevated levels in about 40% of homes in Livingston County. Statewide, one in eight Michigan homes are likely to have elevated radon levels, which is above the EPA recommended action level. LCHD Deputy Health Officer and Director of Environmental Health Matt Bolang says radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking and it's estimated that over 20,000 people per year are diagnosed with lung cancer due to radon exposure. He says testing is very important and best done during the winter months when homes are closed up and the windows are shut, the furnace is running and air is trapped inside.