If you own a home in Minnesota, there’s a roughly 2-in-5 chance that your home has dangerous levels of radon gas.
Free or inexpensive radon gas test kits are available from many the public health departments. (Courtesy of Meeker County Public Health Department)
State and local officials are encouraging residents to test their homes for radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in Minnesota soils. Homes in south and southwestern counties have a higher percentage of detectable radon, Dakota County said in a news release.
The leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, radon is at elevated levels in about 40% of all Minnesota homes, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Radon can enter homes and other buildings through cracks or openings in walls or foundations.
“You can’t see or smell radon, so the only way to know how much is in the air is to test for it,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the MDH Indoor Air Unit, in a news release.
Radon gives off radioactive particles that can damage the lining of the lungs when breathed in, according to MDH.
Radon is a serious public health issue in Minnesota due to the state’s geology and cold climate, according to MDH. In the winter, home heating systems “tend to draw in radon gas from the soil, increasing radon levels inside the home,” MDH states.
While there is no safe level of radon, the risk from radon is largely preventable and winter is the best time to test for it.
“All homes should be tested for radon about every two to five years,” Tranter said in the release. “If tests indicate radon levels of 4.0 picocuries per liter or more, we highly recommend installing a radon mitigation system to lower those levels.”
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Dakota County residents can pick up a free radon test kit at the Northern Service Center, located at 1 Mendota Road in West St. Paul, or the Western Service Center, located at 14955 Galaxie Ave. in Apple Valley. Residents are also welcome to phone consultations with Dakota County Public Health staff.
Washington County residents can pick up a free radon test kit during operating hours at the Cottage Grove Service Center, Forest Lake Service Center, North Environmental Center, South Environmental Center and the Stillwater Government Center.
Ramsey County residents can order a radon test kit for $2 at http://pipr.es/VIHgGys.
Homeowners from other Minnesota counties can also order radon test kits from Air Chek, which is partnering with MDH to offer the kits for $12.95 at mn.radon.com.
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