January is Radon Awareness Month – a great time for learning how to detect and mitigate this deadly hazard.
Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
Radon is a public health issue in Minnesota because geological conditions have created high concentrations. This is aggravated by tightly sealed homes that trap the gas inside. In the winter, home heating systems tend to draw radon gas from the soil, increasing radon levels inside the house. Radon can pose a health risk for Minnesota homeowners. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), 40% of homes in the state have unsafe levels of radon. Since you can’t see or smell radon, homeowners should consider proper testing and, if necessary, mitigation.
With many Minnesotans spending more time in their homes during the pandemic, the MDH recommends all homeowners test for radon. It is the only way to find out how much of the radioactive gas is in your home. When correctly performed, it will accurately measure radon concentrations in your home, and help you determine if levels need to be reduced. You can obtain a test kit for home use or hire a professional.
When should homes be tested?
- The MDH recommends that Minnesota homes be tested for radon and retested every 2 - 5 years
- Consider testing after you make changes to the foundation, heating, cooling, or ventilation
- Consider retesting after adding a radon mitigation system to make sure it is working correctly
Additional resources on radon testing in Minnesota: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/radontestresults.html
For more information: www.health.state.mn.us/radon