Bay County Health Department Providing Free Radon Test Kits for Radon Action Month

The Bay County Health Department is offering residents free radon test kits this month, which is Radon Action Month.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil and rock. The gas can seep up from the ground and pool in homes, which can eventually lead to lung cancer for those exposed to it long term. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. According to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), around 10 percent of tests reported in Bay County exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of radon in homes.

The health department is distributing test kits for the remainder of the month, which can be picked up in the Environmental Health office at 1200 Washington Avenue in Bay City. There is a limit of two test kits per household and are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call (989) 895-4006.