Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared October 18-24 to be Radon Action Week, and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester is joining her by encouraging state residents to test their homes for the radioactive gas.

"Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, which too often makes it easy to ignore," said Director Chester. "The reality is that nearly one in eight Michigan homes could have an indoor radon problem and the only way to know if your family is at risk is to test your home."

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in almost any kind of soil or rock. It travels through the ground, and is quickly diluted when released to the atmosphere, however, when it seeps into homes through openings in the foundation floor or walls, it can build up to unhealthy levels.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, and a Michigan Public Health Institute report estimates that more than 600 of those occur in Michigan alone.

The DEQ has been working with the state's local health departments and many other organizations to ensure that information materials and test kits are accessible in all counties of the state.  To find out where test kits are available, visit http://www.michigan.gov/deqradonand select "Where to Get a Radon Test Kit" from the menu in the center section, or call the DEQ Radon Program at 1-800-RADON GAS (1‑800‑723‑6642).

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq .

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