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A Michigan Public Health Institute report estimates more than 600 new lung cancer cases in Michigan are attributable to indoor radon each year and nationally the National Academy of Sciences estimates that about 15,000 people die annually from radon-related lung cancer.

January is Radon Action Month and state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) officials are urging Lapeer County-area residents to have their homes tested for radon.

"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," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

The state Department of Public Health conducted a survey in all but four of the state's counties during the 1987-88 heating season and found roughly 12% of the homes test had elevated radon levels.

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 DEQ officials, there is no safe level of radon exposure, but as a rule the higher the level of radon exposure or the longer the exposure, the greater the risk. DEQ officials add all homes, regardless of age or construction type have the potential for elevated levels of radon.ÊÊÊ

The Department of Public Health estimated between 10 and 15% of Lapeer County homes could have elevated radon levels.

ÊDEQ is partnering with local health departments this month to ensure a source of low-cost test kits in every county this year. Most local health departments offer the kits for $15 or less, and many will be selling them at discounted prices during the month of January. Kits obtained from the local health departments include the postage to mail the device to an out-of-state laboratory, the fees for having the device analyzed, and a report sent back to the user.

Elevated radon levels, said DEQ officials, can be lowered by caulking and sealing openings in basement walls and floors or by installing venting systems. These fixes typically cost between $750 and $1,500.

For more information about radon, visit the DEQ Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqradon or call the DEQ Radon Program at (800) RADON-GAS (1-800-723-6642) for a free packet of information.