Tag Archives: Radon

Protect against lung cancer: Radon test kits available at Kent County Health Department

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(Courtesy, Kent County Health Department)

By Kent County Health Department

deborah@wktv.org

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Estimates suggest radon kills 21,000 people from lung cancer each year in the United States.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, floor drains, and sump crocks. Radon gas can accumulate in basements or lower levels of homes, especially during winter months when houses are kept closed.

This makes January the perfect time to test your home.

How to detect radon

The only way to determine if elevated levels of radon exist in your home is to test for it.

(Courtesy, KCHD)

Kits are easy to use and testing can be completed in less than a week. Testing for radon is recommended every few years or after completion of certain household construction projects.

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is offering free radon test kits to residents throughout January, coinciding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of January as National Radon Action Month.

The radon kits are available to Kent County residents and must be picked up in person at any one of four clinic locations during regular business hours in January while supplies last. Click here for a list of clinic locations and hours.

Results and action options

Residents using the kits and the State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will receive the results. Residents can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and EGLE gains a better understanding of the locations and prevalence of radon in Michigan.

EGLE Michigan Indoor Radon Results Map – see link below (Courtesy, KCHD)

For help understanding the test results, residents should the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.

If elevated radon levels, above 4 pCi/L, are detected in your home, there are options to help reduce exposure. Radon mitigation systems are often installed to help vent radon gas collecting under a home to the outside atmosphere. Additional mitigation options include sealing cracks, gaps, and sump pits in a basement or installing vapor barriers.

Resource links

EGLE has developed a map of radon risk zones for Michigan. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.

Additional information about radon testing and how to remediate it can be found in these two KCHD podcasts:

Radon Podcast Part 1

Radon Podcast Part 2

Kent County offers free radon test kits in January for National Radon Action Month

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The Kent County Health Department, responding to the month of January being National Radon Action Month, have a supply free radon test kits available to residents … while supplies last. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department recently announced that during the month of January — National Radon Action Month — county residents can gain free radon test kits while supplies last. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading month-long the public information effort.

“You cannot see, smell, or taste radon but the radioactive gas can kill,” the county announcement stated. “Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.”

Radon-caused lung cancer kills more than 20,000 Americans every year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

“Testing for radon is an easy and important step in protecting the health of your family,” Rusty Flewilling, Supervising Sanitarian with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). said in supplied material. “The kit is easy to use. Simply hang a filter inside your house for a few days, then send it in a self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope for testing.”

The KCHD recommends that all homes be tested for radon every few years. Testing kits are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the KCHD’s main clinic location at 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.

Test results will be sent to residents and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. People can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and the State gains a better understanding of the prevalence of radon in Michigan.

For help understanding the test results, residents should contact the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.

Radon occurs naturally in the ground and seeps into buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation of floors and walls. It occurs in both new and old homes. The EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a map of risk zones for the United States which can be viewed by clicking here. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.

The KCHD podcast “A Matter of Public Health” recorded two episodes dedicated to educating people about the issue. In the first episode, residents will learn what radon is, how prevalent it is in Michigan, and how often testing should be done in homes.

In the second episode, the discussion focuses on how to get rid of the radon, how to select a contractor, and how to avoid getting ripped off by unscrupulous contractors. Guests include KCHD subject matter experts, Michigan’s top radon expert, the President of the National Radon Safety Board, and the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan.

For a link to the podcasts and more information visit here.



Should You Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

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lung-cancerNovember is lung cancer awareness month, and now’s a good time to be honest and ask yourself some tough questions:

  1. Do you smoke, or did you quit smoking less than 15 years ago?
  2. Do you have at least a 30 pack-year history of smoking? To find your pack-year history, multiply the number of packs you smoke each day by the number of years you have smoked. For example, 1 pack a day x 30 years = 30 pack-years, 2 packs a day x 15 years = 30 pack-years
  3. Are you 55-80 years of age?

If you answer “yes” to these three questions, the American Cancer Society suggests talking with your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer screening means getting a CT scan of the chest. A CT scan is a series of computerized x-rays that gives better views of an area within the body. If the screening results are a concern, you may have more tests or procedures to determine if you have cancer. This helps you get the best treatment. Contact your health insurance company to find out your coverage and any costs you would have in relation to a lung cancer screening test such as a CT scan.

As with any procedure, there are some risks. The scan involves a low dose of radiation, similar to a mammogram or 4cd3e89b1bac5dc01575afd9da74b751x-ray. Exposure to radiation, including x-rays and CT scans, can increase your risk of cancer in general, although this risk is low. Other risks could include the stress of having abnormalities detected and follow-up procedures associated with your CT scan, such as additional scans or biopsy.

You have a greater chance of having lung cancer if you smoke or used to smoke, have moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), or if you have a parent, sibling, or child who has had lung cancer.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer

Not everyone who breathes radon will develop lung cancer. Risk is determined by such things as how much radon is in your home, or other indoor environment, the amount of time you spend in that environment, and whether you smoke or have ever smoked. Think about getting your home tested for radon.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for lung cancer and also the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke. For more information, go to the Michigan Cancer Consortium website.

Source: Michigan Cancer Consortium