A CBS Minnesota report and video from January 8, 2024 shared a statistic every homeowner should know: about 40% of Minnesota homes have elevated radon levels. That is roughly two in five homes.
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It forms naturally as uranium and radium in rock and soil break down. The gas can move through the soil and enter a home through openings around its foundation. Over time, breathing elevated levels increases the risk of lung cancer. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Why is radon a concern in Minnesota?
MDH says Minnesota’s average radon level is more than three times the national average. Our geology contributes to that difference, as does the way we heat and close up our homes for much of the year. But the statewide statistic cannot tell you the level in your home. The only way to know is to test. MDH
When was your home last tested?
MDH recommends testing every Minnesota home and retesting every two to five years. Homeowners should also test before and after changes such as finishing a basement, adding an addition, improving insulation, or changing a central heating or cooling system. MDH radon testing guidance
Take a couple of minutes to watch the CBS Minnesota video and read the full story. Then check your records: if you have never tested, or cannot remember when you last did, it is time to put a test on the calendar.
Need a radon test in the Twin Cities? Contact Inspecta-Homes at 612-788-9608 or visit InspectaHomes.com
