Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found in the soil and common throughout Minnesota. The gas can enter homes and build up to high levels.
Why is it a health concern?
Radon gas decays into small radioactive particles.
When inhaled, these small particles can damage the lung.
Exposure to radon can cause lung cancer.
What is a safe level of radon?
Any radon level poses some health risk. The best approach is to lower the radon level as much as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the action level at 4 pCi/L (picocuries of radon per liter of air). At 4 pCi/L or higher, it is recommended a radon mitigation system is installed to reduce the radon level. Consider a radon mitigation system if the level is between 2–4 pCi/L.
What can I do?
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends testing homes and other buildings. Test at least every 2–5 years. If the level is high, install a radon mitigation system. A test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. You can test your home yourself or hire a licensed professional. The result of a properly performed test will help you decide your next steps.
Test for radon
The two basic radon tests available are a short-term and a long-term test. Do a short-term test first.
Waseca County Public Health offers no-cost test kits.
Information on where to order radon test kits can be found at the MDH website.
If radon is high, hire a licensed radon professional to install a radon mitigation system. Radon mitigation systems use a fan to pull air from the soil and exhaust it outdoors. All systems should reduce radon below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Once installed, the licensed professional will place a tag on the system. Contact MDH if you have questions or wish to request an inspection. MDH provides free inspections of recently installed radon mitigation systems.