WEST MICHIGAN -- The Ionia and Kent County health departments are providing free radon test kits in January, in observance of National Radon Action Month.
The Ionia Health Department said in a news release an estimated one out of every four homes in Michigan has elevated radon levels. That is a colorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the floors and walls. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and causes an estimated 21,000 deaths in the United States each year.
The Kent County Health Department is distributing free radon test kits this month in conjunction with the Kent District Library. The health department's communications manager, Christina Anthony, explained on West Michigan's Morning News how radon gets into your home.
"It can sneak into homes and buildings through cracks and crevices in the foundation," she said. "And the thing is - similar to carbon monoxide - you cannot see this, you cannot smell it, you cannot taste - it is invisible."
So, the only way to know if radon is in your home is to test for it. The kits are available at the Health Department's main clinic on Fuller Avenue.
The KDL is offering the free radon test kits on Tuesdays, but not at all branches:
Tuesday, Jan. 13
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cascade Township Branch
2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Tuesday, Jan. 20
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Grandville Branch
4055 Maple St. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Tuesday, Jan. 27
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
4950 Breton SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
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