Radon and Radon Testing

What is Radon?

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the underground breakdown of uranium. When it's inhaled, radon attaches to the lung lining, causing damage to the lining's DNA. Over time, depending largely on the dose and length of exposure, radon can cause lung cancer.

Why Should I be Concerned?

If you live in Stearns County, your home has the highest potential to have radon levels greater than the action level determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see a map from the EPA). The EPA's action level is 4 pico-Curries per Liter (pCi/L). According the Minnesota Department of Health, elevated radon levels occur in about 40% of Minnesota homes.

Although the EPA protocol uses a short-term test kit, a long-term test kit provides better information on the amount of radon in your home. See Getting Tested: Home Radon Detectors and Indoor Radon Variation with Time and Location for more information.

How do I Get My Home Tested for Radon?

Many local hardware stores have radon test kits; call for availability. You can also purchase a radon test kit online. Three resources are: MN Radon Project, Dr. HomeAir, and AirChek

To see how to fix your home, see: Mitigation and Mitigators or Radon Contractors/Mitigation Service Providers

Helpful Links regarding Radon

Minnesota Radon Project

Minnesota Department of Health

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

National Cancer Institute Radon and Cancer: Questions and Answers

Environment