Radon Risk Reduction Education for Hillsdale County

Hillsdale County received one of seven mini-grants awarded nation wide!

Hillsdale County has the highest incidence of elevated radon levels in the state of Michigan! Not great news for Hillsdale County, but an opportunity for MSU Extension in Hillsdale County to do what we do best, educate and help the public.

In May 2001, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) was sponsored a mini-grant program that was specifically targeted to encourage partnering of the state radon program with a local Extension Educator. This mini-grant program was designed to encourage radon risk reduction action, exactly what Hillsdale County needed.

Sue Hendershott, Michigan's indoor radon specialist, and Jeannie Nichols, MSU Extension Educator put together an application to address the problem in Hillsdale County. MSU Extension of Hillsdale County was awarded the mini-grant to educate the public about radon and its long term affects on health, encourage residents to test for elevated levels of radon in their homes as well as inform them what action can be taken if high levels are found.

We also sponsored a radon workshop for those dealing with real estate transactions and new construction. There was a cooperative working relationship with MSU Extension-Hillsdale County, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency and the state radon program - Department of Environmental Quality.

If you would like a program on radon or would like to learn about testing your home be sure to contact Jeannie Nichols at the MSU Extension office at 439-9301.