January is Radon Action Month. Radon is a heavy, radioactive gas that can seep out of the soil into basements and other parts of a house.
State health officials are encouraging Michiganders to test their homes for radon levels.
In many homes across Michigan, radon is present at worrisome levels. The state says more than a quarter of tests conducted in Michigan returned results above recommended action levels.
Emily Smale is the Public Information Officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. She says they are offering area residents free radon tests over the next month.
“A lot of people are spending more time at home, especially around the holidays, a lot of people spending time inside. So, we want to make sure that we're testing for radon because we can't see it, smell it or taste it. The only way you can detect it is through testing.”
Kits are available for pick up at the health department office for residents of Barry and Eaton counties.