Uncovering Hidden Dangers: Test Your Home for Radon During Radon Action Month!

Press Release
Jan. 7, 2025

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Research indicates home testing rates are typically lowest in regions with elevated poverty levels

With doors and windows sealed tightly against the chill, hazardous levels of cancer-inducing radon gas can accumulate in residences during the cold months, creating a health threat to Minnesotans. Health authorities are reminding residents that now is the ideal moment to assess or re-evaluate their homes for radon.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soil and can permeate homes through fissures and other openings in the walls or foundation. Prolonged inhalation of radioactive radon particles can harm lung tissues and lead to lung cancer. Indeed, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer fatalities in the U.S. annually.

“Radon is invisible and odorless, making testing the sole method to determine its presence in your home and aid in preventing future cancers,” stated Dan Tranter, supervisor of the Indoor Air Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). “Individuals who have found elevated radon levels and installed a radon mitigation system should test every two years to verify that the system is functioning correctly. Those who have had low test results in the past should conduct tests every five years.”

Tranter also emphasized that individuals should test sooner if their residence has undergone significant alterations (such as major renovations, adjustments to the HVAC system, or access to soil), and if they utilize ground contact areas that have not been previously tested (like a basement or new extension).

During January’s National Radon Action Month, MDH collaborates with local public health departments and various organizations to distribute test kits at minimal or no cost. For details about the availability of these test kits in your locality, get in touch with your local public health office. Test kits may also be acquired at hardware and home improvement retailers or ordered for $12.95 at mn.radon.com.

Due to its distinctive geology and frigid climate, Minnesota’s average radon level in residences is more than three times the national average. Some regions within the state exhibit higher radon levels than others. For instance, in Southwest Minnesota, up to 70% of homes present high radon levels, compared to 40% in a large portion of the remaining state.

Notwithstanding the peril, an updated interactive census tract map reveals that merely about 1% of homes in Minnesota undergo testing each year. This raises concerns among health officials, as radon remains the leading cause of lung cancer for those in the U.S. who have never smoked.

“Even if your county reports a lower average radon level, it remains essential to test your residence, as radon levels can differ significantly among homes within the same vicinity,” Tranter mentioned.

The map illustrates considerable disparities in testing rates statewide. Testing and mitigation rates are generally lowest in areas with a higher number of households enduring poverty. Within the seven-county metro area, testing and mitigation rates are lowest in the urban core areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, while they are highest in the western suburbs of Hennepin and Carver counties.

In residences identified to have elevated radon levels, the reduction (or mitigation) typically involves installing a vent pipe and fan to draw air from beneath the home to the exterior. This process reduces the radon concentration to safe levels. Licensed radon measurement and mitigation experts can be located on the MDH website under Find a Radon Measurement Professional and Find a Radon Mitigation Professional.

MDH’s initiatives to enhance awareness about the hazards of radon also included organizing a statewide poster contest open to youth aged 9 to 14 years. Winning submissions are published on the MDH website at Radon Poster Contest.

For further information regarding radon testing and mitigation, visit the MDH Radon in Homes website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.

-MDH-

Media inquiries:
Amy Barrett
MDH Communications
651-201-4993
amy.barrett@state.mn.us