Radon test kits offered at half price during National Radon Action Month

Oakland County residents may purchase radon test kits for just $5 at Oakland County Health Division offices during National Radon Action Month this January. Health Division encourages residents to take advantage of this half-off price to test their homes for the potentially harmful gas. "Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer," said Tony Drautz, administrator of Health Division's Environmental Health Services. "The radon test kit is quick, easy and affordable." Radon is a naturally-occurring, invisible, odorless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. However, when the gas is trapped in buildings or homes it can be a health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency says there is moderate potential for elevated radon levels in Oakland County homes. "You can't see or smell radon and people tend to ignore the possibility that it might exist at high levels in their homes," Drautz said. "The cooler months are an ideal time to test your home for radon because the windows and doors are closed." Radon test kits for homes are available at Health Division offices: * North Oakland Health Center, 1200 North Telegraph, Building 34E, Pontiac. * South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield. If high levels of radon are found in the home, contact Health Division's Environmental Health Services at 248-858-1312 (Pontiac) or 248-424-7190 (Southfield). For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health or www.epa.gov/radon. Up-to-date public health information can also be found on Health Division's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/publichealthOC. Published: Wed, Jan 9, 2013