Radon Awareness Program
Free Radon Test Program for Michigan Homeowner Associations
Many of our clients are folks who are selling their homes, and are purchasing a radon reduction system for the family moving in. We have been searching for a way to encourage people to test for radon in their homes long before they even think of selling. Our answer is this program offered exclusively to homeowner and condominium associations in Michigan.
FREE: EPA-certified radon detectors. There is no additional charge for the laboratory analysis; just add $0.55 postage and drop in the mail. These are the same kits that are offered over the counter at the county health department for $10.
FREE: Copies of the 32 page EPA pamphlet “Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon.”
FAQ About This Program:
Q: What's the catch?
A: None! We know that once people find that they have a radon problem, they will want to learn more about the subject. Once they understand the issue, most will want to do something to reduce their family's exposure, and (like most Michigan residents) they will select us to help them fix their radon problem. But there is absolutely no obligation or pressure of any kind ... if you wish, you can even be completely anonymous. [See next question]
Q: Who will see the results?
A: If you prefer that your results be completely confidential, just don't write your name and address on the kit! Then nobody but you will have any idea what address or name goes with that kit. If you choose to provide your address (so that you can get a written report), neither we nor the lab will report the result to anyone else.
Q: How do I learn my test result?
A: A window into the laboratory's database is on this website, with test results posted within 24 hours after arriving at the lab. You will need to remember the kit number, because addresses are not posted. If you don't have website access, call us about a week after you mailed in the kit, and we'll read you the results over the phone. If you write your name and address on the kit, we will mail you a copy of the report and advice on what to do next, if anything.
This, by the way, is the difference between these free kits and the $10 versions available through the County Health Department or us. The $10 gets you a direct written report from the laboratory.
Q: How do I know the test results are accurate?
A: Air Chek, an EPA-certified laboratory, provides the sealed kits and performs the analysis. You break the seal and conduct the test following the simple directions provided. Incidentally, Air Chek is the world's largest radon lab, and has been chosen as test kit supplier by most of the health departments in the US.
If the screening test result is above the EPA guideline, don't panic. We encourage you to have the test confirmed by a professional radon tester before deciding to fix the apparent problem. For names of qualified radon testing firms in your area, call the Michigan Radon Hotline (1-800-RADON GAS).
To avoid a conflict of interest, it's important that the test be conducted by someone who does not also do radon "fixing." That is, not by us or by any other "radon contractor." Click here for our Position Paper on a related conflict-of-interest issue.]
Q: More info?
A: Please call or e-mail.
Audiences have praised our slide show on "Radon in Michigan." We would be happy to present this program to the Board or to the general membership.
Good information on radon, including photos, links, Michigan maps and the names & phone numbers of legitimate Michigan radon firms (our competitors!) is also available throughout this website. Start with the general radon page.