If you’re a homeowner in Michigan, there’s an invisible threat you may not even be aware of—radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into your home through the ground. Prolonged radon exposure can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of lung cancer. For this reason, radon testing in Michigan should be a priority for anyone who owns or is considering purchasing a home. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what radon is, how it gets into homes, the health risks involved, and the solutions available to mitigate radon exposure.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It can enter homes through cracks in floors and walls, construction joints, and gaps around service pipes. While radon levels are typically low outdoors, they can become concentrated indoors, especially in basements and ground-floor rooms. This is particularly concerning because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, following smoking.
Why is Radon Testing Important in Michigan?
Michigan’s geology makes it a prime area for higher radon levels. The state has large deposits of glacial till and uranium-bearing rocks, which can increase the likelihood of radon gas accumulating in homes. Since radon is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if your home has elevated levels is through testing.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
Lung Cancer Risk
The primary health risk associated with radon exposure is lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. The risk is higher for smokers, but non-smokers can also be affected. When you inhale radon, radioactive particles can become trapped in your lungs, potentially causing DNA damage that leads to cancer over time.
Increased Risk for Smokers
If you’re a smoker living in a home with elevated radon levels, your risk of developing lung cancer is significantly higher than someone who doesn’t smoke. The combination of tobacco smoke and radon gas creates a compounding effect that greatly increases your risk.
Long-Term Exposure
The danger of radon doesn’t manifest immediately. It’s the long-term exposure—years or even decades—that increases the likelihood of developing health issues. People living in homes with elevated radon levels for extended periods are at the greatest risk, particularly if they spend a lot of time in lower levels of the house, such as basements or ground floors.
How Does Radon Enter Homes?
Radon typically enters homes through the ground. Here are some of the most common ways it can seep into your home:
Cracks in Foundation
Even tiny cracks in your home’s foundation can allow radon to seep into your living space. Since radon is a gas, it can easily pass through small openings that would block liquids or larger particles.
Gaps Around Pipes and Wires
Holes around pipes, wires, and service lines are common entry points for radon gas. Over time, as these openings expand or contract, they can allow radon to flow into your home more easily.
Well Water
While less common, radon can also enter homes through well water. When radon dissolves into groundwater, it can be released into the air when you use water for cooking, showering, or laundry. Homes that rely on private wells should consider testing both air and water for radon.
Radon Levels in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Michigan has a diverse range of radon levels depending on the area. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has classified certain areas of the state as higher risk for radon. It’s crucial to know your area’s risk level, but testing your home is the only way to know for sure if radon is a concern.
High-Risk Counties
Several counties in Michigan have been identified as having a higher potential for elevated radon levels. These counties often have geological formations that make radon more likely to accumulate indoors. If you live in one of these areas, radon testing should be at the top of your home safety checklist.
Rural vs. Urban Areas
While many assume that radon is only a problem in rural areas, this isn’t always the case. Homes in urban areas of Michigan can also have elevated radon levels, particularly those with older foundations or those built on certain types of soil.
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
Short-Term Testing
Short-term radon tests are the most common way to check for radon. These tests typically last between 2 to 7 days, and they are an affordable way to quickly assess the radon levels in your home. Short-term tests are placed in the lowest living area of your home and should be conducted in areas where you spend the most time, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
Long-Term Testing
Long-term tests provide a more accurate picture of your home’s radon levels over an extended period. These tests last anywhere from 90 days to a year, and they can account for fluctuations in radon levels caused by seasonal changes, weather, and ventilation. Long-term testing is often recommended for homeowners who want the most reliable data before making decisions about radon mitigation.
Professional Testing
While do-it-yourself radon tests are available, professional radon testing services can provide more comprehensive results. Professionals use more sophisticated equipment and techniques to ensure accurate measurements. They can also help interpret the results and recommend solutions if elevated levels are found.
What Do Your Radon Test Results Mean?
EPA Recommended Action Level
The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels in your home exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). While there is no “safe” level of radon, this threshold represents the point at which the health risks become more significant. If your radon levels are at or above this level, you should take steps to reduce radon in your home.
Below 4 pCi/L
Even if your test results show radon levels below 4 pCi/L, you may still want to take precautions, especially if the levels are close to the threshold. The EPA suggests that homeowners with radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L consider mitigation options to further reduce radon exposure.
Above 4 pCi/L
If your home’s radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L, it’s time to take action. The higher the level, the greater the health risk. Fortunately, radon mitigation systems can significantly reduce radon levels in most homes, often by as much as 99%.
Radon Mitigation: Reducing Radon Levels in Your Home
Sub-Slab Depressurization
One of the most effective methods for reducing radon levels in your home is sub-slab depressurization. This system involves installing a pipe that runs from beneath the foundation to the outside of the house. A fan is used to create suction, drawing radon gas from beneath the home and venting it safely outdoors.
Sealing Cracks and Openings
Sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and around service pipes can help reduce radon levels. However, this method alone is not usually enough to significantly lower radon concentrations. It’s often used in conjunction with more robust systems like sub-slab depressurization.
Ventilation Improvements
Improving the ventilation in your home can also help reduce radon levels, especially in basements or crawl spaces. By increasing the air exchange rate in these areas, radon gas can be diluted and vented out of the home more effectively. This can be as simple as installing additional fans or vents, but it may also require more comprehensive ventilation systems depending on your home’s layout.
Active Soil Depressurization (ASD)
Active soil depressurization (ASD) is one of the most widely recommended radon mitigation techniques. It involves using a fan to continuously pull radon gas from beneath your home and exhaust it outside, preventing it from entering your living space. This method is effective for both new and older homes and can dramatically reduce indoor radon levels.
Crawl Space Mitigation
Homes with crawl spaces require different mitigation approaches. Often, a vapor barrier is installed to cover the floor of the crawl space, preventing radon from entering through the soil. The vapor barrier is then connected to a vent pipe and fan system to vent the radon gas safely outside.
The Cost of Radon Mitigation
While radon mitigation systems can be highly effective, they do come at a cost. The price of installing a radon mitigation system can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the job and the size of your home. However, considering the long-term health risks of radon exposure, this investment is well worth it.
DIY Radon Mitigation
For those with the necessary skills, some radon mitigation techniques can be done as a DIY project. However, the effectiveness of DIY solutions is often limited compared to professional systems. If you attempt a DIY radon mitigation, it’s crucial to follow best practices and continue testing your home’s radon levels afterward to ensure the system is working.
Professional Radon Mitigation
Hiring a professional radon mitigation service is usually the best option for homeowners who want peace of mind. Professionals are trained to install systems that meet local and national safety standards, and they can ensure the system effectively reduces radon levels to below the EPA-recommended threshold.
Radon in New Construction
Building Radon-Resistant Homes
If you’re building a new home in Michigan, consider incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques. These techniques include installing gas-permeable layers under the foundation, sealing cracks and openings, and providing proper ventilation. By integrating these systems during the construction process, you can significantly reduce the risk of radon exposure from the outset.
Radon-Resistant Materials
Some builders are now using radon-resistant materials, such as radon-proof membranes and sealants, in new home construction. These materials can help create a barrier between the soil and your home’s interior, preventing radon from entering through cracks and gaps in the foundation.
The Importance of Retesting After Mitigation
Once a radon mitigation system has been installed, it’s important to retest your home’s radon levels to ensure the system is working as expected. Even after successful mitigation, retesting every two years is recommended to verify that radon levels remain low. Seasonal changes, weather, and home renovations can all affect radon concentrations, so periodic testing is essential for long-term safety.
