January is Radon Action Month: Why You Should Consider Testing Your Home
Radon Action Month is here, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about this invisible threat. Like many people, I didn’t know much about radon until a month ago when my neighbor suggested testing our home. After some research, my husband Jake and I decided it was worth investigating—and we’re glad we did.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, floor drains, and sump pits. Although it’s colorless and odorless, radon poses serious health risks. Over time, radioactive particles from radon can accumulate in the air, increasing the likelihood of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths annually.
Fortunately, our home tested for very low radon levels, but a neighbor down the street discovered high levels. While this isn’t meant to alarm anyone, it’s a good reminder to consider testing your home.
If you’re interested in taking action, here are two great resources:
All Michigan Mitigation: A local Cannon Township resident, Bradley Ratliff, offers professional radon mitigation services. You can contact him at 616-690-7753 or bradley@allmichiganmitigation.com.
Kent District Library: The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and Kent District Library (KDL) are providing free radon test kits to residents during January. These kits are available at KDL branches and KCHD clinic locations while supplies last. Visit kdl.org or call 616-784-2007 to find a branch near you.
Radon may be invisible, but the risks are real. Testing your home is an easy step toward protecting your family’s health. Take advantage of these resources this month to ensure your home is safe.
