40 Percent of MN Homes Have Dangerous Radon Levels: Report

While the number of homes in Minnesota tested for radon has increased more than threefold since 2010, only about one percent of properties in the state were tested in the most recent five-year period, a recent analysis by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) revealed. Radon, an odorless, colorless gas, poses a significant health risk and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

The same analysis of test data from 2010-2014 found that 2 in 5 homes – about 40 percent –have dangerous levels of radon (4pCi/L or above) and that the average level of radon in Minnesota homes is about 4.6 pCi/L, more than three times the national average, according to a news release.

MDH recommends that homeowners conduct an inexpensive, do-it-yourself test of their home for radon during Radon Awareness Month in January.

“The increase in home testing is a positive trend, but it’s clear from the data that people are being exposed to high levels of radon who don’t know it,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the Indoor Air Program for MDH, in a statement.

In Minnesota, winter is the best time to test homes for radon. Radon occurs naturally in Minnesota soils. It can enter homes through cracks or openings in walls or foundations. The only way for a resident to know if their home has high levels of radon is to test. Radon is a problem everywhere in Minnesota, and everyone in every county should test their home. Renters should ask their landlords to test their homes or provide previous test results. If renters test their homes, they should discuss the results with their landlords.

More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are linked to radon. Fortunately, the risk is largely preventable, by testing homes and fixing radon problems.

Testing takes 3-7 days. The best time to test is during the heating seasons, but testing can be done year-round. Test kits are available at city and county health departments, many hardware stores, or directly from radon testing laboratories. A list of participating health agencies and test kit vendors can be found on the MDH website at Local Radon Contacts.

During the month of January, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is sponsoring TV, radio and internet ads in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota to encourage people to test their homes. In addition, MDH has partnered with many local public health departments to make test kits available to local residents at low or no cost.

Image via Birdies100, Flickr, used under Creative Commons