ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is issuing its annual reminder to homeowners and renters to have the radon levels in their homes checked.
Health officials said with Minnesota's particular geology and climate, the state is a prime target for higher radon levels. According to MDH, the average amount of the odorless, colorless gas is more than three times that of the U.S. average. MDH said it's also the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don't smoke.
“The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test, but only about 1% or 2% of Minnesota homes are tested annually,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham in a statement. “Another concern is that, although radon occurs throughout the state, there are notable disparities in where the testing and mitigation are taking place.”
MDH said over 40% of homes in Minnesota have "dangerously high radon levels," and that data shows testing is not as common in lower-income, majority-renter areas of the Twin Cities, as well as the northern and southwestern regions of the state.
As part of National Radon Action Month, MDH wants to emphasize the availability of test kits through health departments and other partners, who will provide them to people throughout the state at little-to-no cost. You can also purchase a test kit at a local hardware store or contact a professional to test for you.
For more information about radon and how you can test your home, visit the health department's website.
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