Test your home for radon danger

With doors and windows shut tight against the cold, dangerous levels of cancer-causing radon gas can build up in homes during the winter months, posing a health risk to Minnesotans. Health officials are reminding Minnesotans that now is the time to test or retest their home for radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soil and can enter homes through cracks and other openings in the walls or foundation. When inhaled over a long period of time, radioactive radon particles can damage lungs and lead to lung cancer. Radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

During National Radon Action Month in January, the Minnesota Department of Health partners with local public health departments and other organizations to provide test kits at low or no cost. For information about the availability of these test kits in your area, contact your local public health office. Test kits also can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores or ordered for $12.95 at  mn.radon.com.

Despite the danger, an updated census tract map shows that only about 1 percent of Minnesota homes are tested each year. In homes found to have high radon levels, radon reduction (or mitigation) typically involves installing a venting pipe and fan to pull the air from under the home to the outside. This reduces the amount of radon to low levels.