Radon Testing
in Michigan
Certified radon testing for homes and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan. Short-term and long-term testing options. EPA action level guidance included with every report.
Radon in Michigan Homes
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Unlike asbestos or lead paint, radon is invisible, odorless, and cannot be detected without testing. The only way to know whether your home has elevated radon levels is to test.
Michigan has significant radon potential. The Michigan EGLE estimates that approximately one in three Michigan homes has radon levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Geological factors — including glacial deposits and underlying bedrock across Southeast Michigan — contribute to elevated radon potential in the region.
The EPA recommends testing every home, regardless of age, construction type, or location. Radon levels vary significantly between neighboring homes — the only way to know your home's radon level is to test it.
~1 in 3
Michigan homes above action level
4 pCi/L
EPA action level
#2
Cause of lung cancer in the US
EPA Radon Action Levels
EPA recommends mitigation. The higher the level, the more urgent the need.
EPA recommends considering mitigation, especially for levels closer to 4 pCi/L.
Below average indoor level. Retest every 2 years or after major home changes.
Source: EPA "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"
Radon Testing Options
The right test depends on your timeline and purpose. We help you choose the appropriate method.
Short-Term Test (2–7 Days)
A charcoal canister or electret ion chamber is placed in the lowest livable area of the home for 2–7 days. Suitable for real estate transactions and initial screening. Results available within a few days of lab receipt.
Long-Term Test (90+ Days)
An alpha track detector is placed for 90 days to one year. Provides a more accurate annual average radon level, which is the most meaningful measurement for health risk assessment. Recommended for ongoing monitoring.
Continuous Radon Monitor
An electronic continuous monitor provides hourly radon readings over the test period. Detects tampering or unusual conditions that could affect results. Preferred for real estate transactions where test conditions are a concern.
How Radon Testing Works
Schedule
Call or request a quote. We schedule promptly and can often accommodate same-week appointments.
Device Placement
A certified inspector places the test device in the lowest livable area of the home, following EPA closed-house conditions.
Test Period
The device remains in place for the required test period (2–7 days for short-term, 90+ days for long-term).
Lab Analysis & Report
The device is retrieved and submitted to an accredited laboratory. You receive a written report with your radon level and EPA guidance.
Who Needs Radon Testing?
All Michigan Homeowners
The EPA recommends testing every home. Michigan's elevated radon potential makes testing especially important.
Home Buyers
Radon testing is one of the most common contingencies in Michigan real estate transactions. Know before you close.
Home Sellers
Test before listing to avoid surprises during the buyer's inspection period and negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Post-Mitigation Verification
After radon mitigation, independent testing confirms the system is working and levels are below the action level.
Radon Testing FAQ
What is radon and why is it dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless — undetectable without testing. Radon enters buildings through foundation cracks, construction joints, and gaps around pipes. When inhaled, radon decay products attach to lung tissue and emit radiation that can cause DNA damage. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths per year according to the EPA.
What is the EPA action level for radon?
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when a test result is at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA also recommends considering mitigation for levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The average indoor radon level in the United States is approximately 1.3 pCi/L. There is no known safe level of radon exposure — any exposure carries some risk.
Is Michigan a high-radon state?
Yes. Michigan has significant radon potential, particularly in the southern Lower Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) estimates that approximately 1 in 3 Michigan homes has radon levels above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Geological factors — including glacial deposits and underlying bedrock — contribute to elevated radon potential across much of Southeast Michigan.
When should I test for radon?
You should test for radon if you have never tested your home, if you are buying or selling a home, if you have made significant changes to your home (finished basement, new HVAC system, foundation work), or if it has been more than two years since your last test. The EPA recommends testing every two years as part of routine home maintenance. Testing is especially important in Michigan given the state's elevated radon potential.
What is the difference between a short-term and long-term radon test?
A short-term test (2–7 days) provides a quick snapshot of radon levels and is commonly used for real estate transactions. A long-term test (90 days to one year) measures the average radon level over a longer period, which more accurately reflects your actual annual exposure. Long-term tests are recommended for health risk assessment because radon levels fluctuate with weather, season, and building conditions. If a short-term test exceeds 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends a follow-up test before proceeding with mitigation.
How is radon fixed if levels are high?
The most common and effective radon mitigation method is sub-slab depressurization (also called active soil depressurization or ASD). A licensed radon mitigation contractor installs a pipe through the foundation slab and a fan that draws radon from beneath the slab and vents it outside. This system typically reduces radon levels by 50–99%. After mitigation, a post-mitigation test should be performed to confirm the system is working. We provide post-mitigation testing as an independent verification service.
Radon Testing Across Southeast Michigan
We serve all of Southeast Michigan. Call 586-330-0100 to schedule.
Not seeing your city? Contact us — we serve all of Southeast Michigan.
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