Radon Awareness and Free Testing Kits

(Allegan) – January is Michigan Radon Awareness Month. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that forms when the element radium decays in the ground. Radon does not react to most materials, allowing it to move through the ground and into buildings. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and undetectable without proper equipment. Fire Departments do NOT have meters to test for radon.

Radon is carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Michigan. The longer a person is exposed to radon, the higher the chances are of developing cancer.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) estimates that between 18-20% of homes in Allegan County exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). While the majority of the county falls below this action level, EGLE still recommends that all homes be tested for radon.

Visit EGLE’s radon testing page for a comprehensive guide on testing your home.

Radon Testing Kits

Radon test kits are available year-round at the Allegan County Health Department for all county residents, free of charge. Please be aware that kits must be sent to a lab to get the results –

postage and lab testing costs are covered for you through these free test kits from the Allegan County Health Department.

These tests are available at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan, MI. Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, as well as these local libraries while supplies last:

Ransom District Library, 180 S Sherwood Ave, Plainwell, MI 49080 Fennville District Library, 400 W Main St, Fennville, MI 49408 Leighton Township Library, 4451 12th St, Wayland, MI 49348 Allegan Library, 331 Hubbard St, Allegan, MI 49010

Henika District Library, 149 S Main St, Wayland, MI 49348 Saugatuck/Douglas Library, 174 Center St, Douglas, MI 49406

Professional Testing and Mitigation

It is important to research any professional before hiring them. Look for an individual certified by either the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).

Additional Information

For additional information on radon, resources, and testing, visit EGLE’s webpage, as well as https://mi.radon.com. EGLE also offers a comprehensive guide on how to keep households safe from radon.