In observance of Radon Awareness Week (Jan. 26-30), the Oakland County Health Division is urging residents to take a proactive step toward household safety and is offering free radon test kits to all Oakland County residents.
Why Test for Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless gas that can sometimes get into homes through cracks in floors or walls. Because it is undetectable by sight, smell, or taste, testing is the only way to determine if your family is at risk.
“Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking,” said Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman.
In Michigan, one-in-four homes have been found to have high levels of radon across all 83 counties.
When to Test
Radon testing is recommended during the winter months when windows and doors typically remain closed and radon gas is more likely to collect inside. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages radon testing every two years, as homes settle and new cracks might form in the foundation that may cause radon levels to change.
Pick Up Your Free Kit
Residents can collect a free kit at the Health Division offices, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.:
- North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 34E, Pontiac
- South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
If high levels of radon are found, contact the Health Division’s Environmental Health Services at 248-858-1312 in Pontiac or 248-424-7191 in Southfield for more information about radon mitigation and service providers.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.