January is Radon Action Month
Submitted to the Tribune
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January is Radon Action Month in Michigan, and the Tuscola County Health Department encourages residents to learn more about this environmental hazard and test their homes. Testing is easy, inexpensive, and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem. Free radon test kits are available in January to Tuscola County residents at the Tuscola County Health Department.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking , and is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Radon is usually diluted by the atmosphere to safe levels but can concentrate indoors to an elevated and harmful level. Radon enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls, becoming trapped inside, especially in winter months when doors and windows remain closed. It's expected one out of eight Michigan homes has elevated levels of radon. If elevated levels are found, they can be reduced with various ventilation techniques.