The resolution introduced by Representatives Tisdel, Glanville, and Mentzer aims to declare January 2025 as Radon Action Month in Michigan. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock, and it can enter homes through foundation openings. Elevated indoor radon levels are a significant health risk, being the leading environmental cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the second overall cause behind smoking. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises that homes with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) should be mitigated to lower lung cancer risks.

The resolution highlights that approximately 26% of radon tests conducted in Michigan show levels at or above the recommended threshold, indicating a widespread concern. It emphasizes that any home can have elevated radon levels, regardless of its age or location, and encourages testing, which is both easy and affordable. The resolution also notes that radon-resistant construction techniques can be employed in new homes to mitigate risks. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with local health departments, are actively working to educate residents about radon and the measures they can take to reduce exposure.