The EPA and Surgeon General say breathing radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and if you smoke, your risk is even higher.

Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air in a home through cracks and other holes in the foundation such as sump well.

Any home can have high levels of radon. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Approximately 12% of homes in Michigan have dangerously elevated levels of radon.

If high levels of radon are found in the house, the high levels can be reduced for about $1200, although this can range from $500 to about $2500.

North American Home Inspection uses state of the art electronic continuous reading monitors to detect radon levels. The test takes 48 hours and results are known virtually immediately. The monitor is equipped with motion and tamper detectors to ensure accurate results. It records temperature to help detemine if doors and windows were kept closed during the test. It also records barometric pressure to identify weather conditions which may have affected the test.