1 in 4 Michigan homes have radon at levels that put occupants’ health at risk but it’s a problem homeowners can correct.
Radon is one of those unseen environmental factors that doesn’t get much attention until their effects are seen. Check out these FAQs about the risks radon poses, how to test for it and what to do if it’s present in your home.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It has no color, no taste and no odor. It usually occurs in rocks and soils, but it can be present in ground water from wells.
What health risk does radon pose?
Radon gas released from the ground is of concern to homeowners because breathing it can cause lung cancer.
After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Those who smoke and are exposed to radon are at greater risk.
How does radon get inside a home?
As radon is released from rocks and soil, it rises. It can make its way into a home through openings in the foundation or where a wall is in contact with soil. These entry points could be cracks, small gaps where construction components are joined or a sump pump pit. Any opening in the foundation can allow radon into a home.
How do I know if my home has radon?
The only way to know if radon is present in your home is through testing. Even if a neighbor’s test showed safe levels, you should test because radon levels can vary considerably from home to home.
DIY kits from hardware stores consist of a radon-absorbent material that is exposed to the home’s air for specified period, often two to seven days. After exposure, the kit is mailed to a lab that will provide the results. Michigan residents can also get a test kit from these county and city health departments.
Alternatively, a homeowner can hire a radon testing and mitigation contractor to measure radon levels in their house.
What if radon is discovered my home?
The level of radon present determines if further action is needed.
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter, abbreviated as pCi/L. For levels of 4 pCi/L or above action is recommended.
Installing a radon mitigation system will move radon out of your house so it can’t accumulate and pose a health hazard. These systems are customized for each home and consist of pipes and an exhaust fan. Also, sealing cracks at radon entry points and installing a vapor barrier may be necessary.
I have a new home, so radon isn’t a concern, right?
Sorry, but having a newer home does not mean your home is radon-free. Any home—new or old—can have radon.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) recommends that homeowners test for radon every two years. As homes settle, new cracks can form, providing new inlets for radon.
How much does radon mitigation cost?
A typical radon system in Michigan costs between $800 and $1,500, according to EGLE.
If you need to install a radon mitigation system and don’t have cash on hand, you can access the money you need with a home equity loan.
All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions.