Your Michigan basement could harbor lung cancer risk — but DIY detection kit is free, easy

If you spend a lot of time in your basement, whether for work, relaxation, homeschooling, or sleeping, there's a potential health hazard you should know about: radon gas. Radon, which is odorless and invisible, can increase the risk of lung cancer, even for nonsmokers. It's found in about 25% of US basements, seeping in from the surrounding soil. This risk exists regardless of whether your home is new or old, and it's not limited to traditional basements but can also affect "lower level" living spaces. It's important to be aware of this threat and consider testing your basement for radon exposure to protect yourself and your family.

To find out if your home is at risk from radon, consider doing a DIY radon test in your basement. Most likely, your basement is below the dangerous level, but it’s still worth checking. Radon tests are simple, inexpensive, and readily available at county health departments or online for around $5 - $20. Winter is the best time for testing as windows and doors are typically closed, allowing radon to accumulate, making it easier to detect.

You can get a test kit from your local health department or order one online. The same kits, called “Short-Term Radon Air Test”, sell online for $17.95 each at www.radon.com.

What is Radon?

Radon gas is radioactive and it flows from the natural decay of uranium, found in all rocks and soils. The distribution of uranium is uneven which means that radon may be barely detected in basements at one end of a street yet reach hazardous levels at the other end.

How the testing works?

Testing for radon in your basement is straightforward. Hang the test kit's activated charcoal envelope from your basement ceiling, ensuring it's at "breathing level" and away from drafts. Leave it in place for three to seven days in an area where you spend the most time, like a home office or sleeping area. Afterward, seal the envelope and mail it to a testing lab listed on the envelope with prepaid postage. It's important to seal up the kit right away and send it. Don’t just toss it on a counter and let it sit because the radon atoms will escape.

What happens if I have high Radon levels?

Adding a special ventilation system designed to pump basement air to the outside and bring in fresh air, known as a radon mitigation system. Typically costing $800 - $1,500. Be careful of who you hire because the State of Michigan doesn’t regulate the installation of these systems. Make sure to hire installers who have been certified by professional groups with any of the following acronyms: NRSB, NRPP, or AARST.

How often should you test?

The state of Michigan’s advisory recommends doing it every 2 years because the home’s foundation can shift to allow more radon to enter or an initial test may be inaccurate.