Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls (sump openings, crawlspaces, floor/wall joints, cracks, etc.). Radon can become trapped in buildings, and thus, lead to elevated and harmful radon levels. Exposure to long-term, elevated radon levels can increase your risk of lung cancer. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and results in approximately 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year.
One in eight Michigan homes is likely to have an elevated radon level. According to a study conducted by the MDEQ, radon is present in elevated levels in about 40% of Livingston County homes. Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, and it has no warning symptoms (it does not cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.). Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. To test your home, obtain a short-term kit from LCHD or order on online at www.mi.radon.com. For more information call 517-546-9858.
The following is a map of the estimated radon levels in Livingston County. These results only represent homes tested with LCHD radon test kits. Therefore, this map is not actual representation of radon levels for all homes in the Livingston County. Green areas do not ensure safe radon levels. For specific city, village, and/or township radon level maps click here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a radon mitigation system be installed in homes with radon levels > 4 pCi/L.
