Protecting Your Health From Everyday Environmental Risks

Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without testing. In Michigan, radon can enter homes and buildings through cracks in foundations and other openings, and long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. We encourage homeowners to test their homes for radon and provide information and resources to help reduce exposure when elevated levels are found.

Our agency has free Radon test kits available to residents throughout the year. Visit your local office to request one.

Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over time, often from exposure to lead-based paint, contaminated dust, soil, drinking water, or certain consumer products. Even low levels of lead can be harmful, especially for young children, affecting brain development, learning, and behavior. We provide education, resources, and guidance to help families identify potential sources of lead exposure and take steps to protect their health.

Mercury Exposure
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that can become harmful when people are exposed to high levels over time. Exposure most commonly occurs through eating certain fish with elevated mercury levels, handling spilled mercury from older household items such as thermometers, or through some workplace environments. Mercury can affect the brain, nervous system, and kidneys, with young children and pregnant women being especially vulnerable.

Mold
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.

The health effects of mold are different for different people so you cannot rely on sampling and culturing to know whether someone might become sick. Good sampling for mold can be expensive, and there are no set standards for what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of different kinds of mold in a home. The best thing you can do is to safely remove the mold and prevent future mold growth.

Carbon Monoxide
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. Never use these items in a small enclosed area such as a home or garage as CO from these sources can build up in enclosed spaces. As a result, people and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.