The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) gave out free short-term Radon home-testing kits to residents of Barry and Eaton counties during National Radon Action Month in January.

Now, residents whose test results showed that they have elevated levels of radon in their home, around or above 4 picocuries per liter of air [pCi/L], might be wondering what to do.

 

Residents with  short-term test result at or around 4 pCi/L, they should do another short-term test or a long-term test. A short-term follow-up test is best for homes with very elevated radon levels.  For homes with levels around 4 pCi/L, a long-term test will give a more accurate idea of the year-round radon level. Residents should fix their homes if two radon tests have results of 4 pCi/L or higher.

 

BEDHD offers short-term radon home-testing kits for $8 and long-term testing kits for $22.

 

Radon is a naturally-occurring invisible and odorless radioactive gas. It is caused by uranium decay in soil and bedrock. From the ground, the gas moves into buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation or walls, including at floor/wall joints; sump openings; and other plumbing, wiring, or ductwork openings.

 

Fixing homes with high radon levels is known as “Radon mitigation,’ and should be done by a qualified contractor who has specific knowledge, equipment and skills. The State of Michigan does not regulate Radon professionals, but there are two national associations that certify radon mitigators. To look for a local qualified mitigator go to the National Radon Safety Board (http://www.nrsb.org/) or the National Radon Proficiency Program (http://aarst-nrpp.com/).

 

The cost of radon mitigation depends on how a house was built, its foundation type, and how high its radon level is and prices vary. Residents should get more than one estimate, compare proposals and ask for references when considering hiring a mitigator. //

 

Local resident Brenda McNabb-Stange, of Hastings, described her experience with radon mitigation. McNabb-Stange had her home tested for radon before she purchased it. The level was around 14 pCi/L. After a contactor sealed cracks and openings in her basement and installed a pipe and a fan system to draw radon outdoors, that level was reduced to about 0.7 pCi/L. Her mitigation system has lasted 11 years and hasn’t needed any maintenance. She believes everyone should test their homes for radon: “It’s silly for anyone not to test. I think it’s a risk for [others]—an unnecessary risk—and [radon] is so prevalent around this area.”

 

For more EPA information on radon mitigation, see

http://bit.ly/2nDLhMH.   For more, visit https://www.epa.gov/radon, or contact BEDHD at (517) 541-2615  in Eaton County or (269) 945-9516 in Barry County.