Detroit, MI – As Thanksgiving brings families indoors across Michigan, health officials are warning of an invisible and potentially deadly threat that could be building up beneath the floorboards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) say radon, a radioactive gas, is a serious health risk that spikes during the colder months when homes are sealed against the chill.
Radon is produced when uranium in soil and rock naturally decays, releasing gas that seeps into homes through cracks, drains, and foundation gaps. Because it has no color, smell, or taste, families are often unaware of its presence until they test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks radon as the second-leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually. The agency recommends fixing any home with readings at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) — though experts caution there is no completely safe level.
Michigan’s geology makes it especially susceptible to elevated radon levels, particularly in southeastern and western counties, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Radon Program offers free or low-cost test kits through local health departments to help residents identify potential risks.
Testing is simple and quick. Short-term radon kits, available at hardware stores or online for under $25, can measure levels in just a few days. If results are high, certified mitigation contractors can install venting systems that lower radon by up to 90%.
“Radon is invisible, odorless, and dangerous — but completely preventable,” CDC officials said. “Testing your home this Thanksgiving could save a life.”
With families spending more time indoors this holiday season, Michigan health officials urge residents to take action now — before this silent killer lingers through the long winter months.
