Gov. Whitmer declares January 2021 Radon Action Month

Testing helps detect hazard as more work from home

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared January 2021 as Radon Action Month in Michigan, and she encourages all Michigan residents to learn more about this environmental hazard and test their homes during the heating season.

You cannot see, smell or taste radon, and there are no short-term side effects that could cause alarm or warn of its presence.  However, long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer, which accounts for more deaths in both men and women than any other form of cancer in the United States. Behind smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is considered a leading environmental cause of cancer mortality in the United States.

Radon testing takes on increased importance with many Michiganders now working from home. It is easy, inexpensive, and the only way to determine if a radon problem exists.  Residents are encouraged to test for radon every two to five years. If a radon mitigation system was previously installed in the home, residents are encouraged to test every two years to make sure that radon levels remain in the acceptable range.

One in every four Michigan homes is expected to have radon levels exceeding federal action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter.  Radon poses a serious threat to our community’s health, but high radon concentrations are also easily fixed.

Watch a video about a Michigan family that installed a mitigation system after discovering their home had elevated levels of radon.

To obtain a radon test kit, go to Michigan.gov/Radon, call 800-723-6642, e‑mail [email protected], or just stop a local hardware store.  To access new resources and information including radon testing, mitigation, and levels across the state, visit Michigan.gov/Radon.  For a packet of information about radon, e-mail [email protected], or call 800-RADONGAS (800-723-6642).

Video: January 8 Press Conference

Latest News

Michiganders over age 65, some frontline essential workers can receive safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MDHHS officials announced the state is moving to a new phase of vaccination on Monday, Jan. 11. MDHHS is moving forward with vaccination of Michiganders age 65 and older; frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff; and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers.

MDHHS guidance encourages schools to safely offer in-person instruction Michigan’s children need to succeed

MDHHS announced be guidance for schools to keep students, staff and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while providing the in-person instruction that is crucial to learning and development. The state’s goal is to have all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1, and earlier if possible.

Michigan speeding up vaccinations; ranks 11th in the nation for the number of first doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine administered

Michigan hospitals, local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers are quickly increasing the pace of vaccinations in the state, administering three times the vaccine last week compared to the number of doses administered the first week.

It’s easier for Michiganders to ‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ with free KN95 face coverings to protect them from COVID-19

MDHHS is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign.

Take Action – How You Can Help

MI COVID Alert

MI COVID Alert is a free app for your mobile phone. It will help us to notify each other and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan.

Mask Up, Mask Right

Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, medical-grade disposable masks or approved KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps.

Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Guidance

This guidance outlines the strategy for vaccine prioritization for the State of Michigan and will be used by MDHHS, as well as public health and health care, as they allocate and administer vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. The information in this document will change frequently as we learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

Vaccination data will be updated Monday – Saturday from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).

Vaccine Locations

Vaccination is our path back to normal life and a strong economy. Learn more about the process for getting vaccinated on this page.

For the most current information, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.