What Every Homeowner or Homebuyer in Minnesota Needs to Know About Radon

You likely spend a significant amount of time indoors, but did you know your home’s indoor air quality could be a health risk? Elevated radon levels are the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (after smoking), yet this risk is preventable with proper testing and mitigation.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter homes through foundation cracks or holes, and even through well water. The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels (above 4 pCi/L). Homes of all types, even those without basements, are susceptible to radon exposure.

Radon in Minnesota and Wisconsin

• Minnesota: The state’s average radon level is over three times the national average, with more than 40% of homes posing a significant health risk.
  Source: Minnesota Department of Health
• Wisconsin: Around 1 in 10 homes have elevated radon levels, particularly along the Mississippi River, central Wisconsin, and the Illinois border.
  Source: Wisconsin Department of Health

How to Test for Radon

Testing for radon is simple, and it’s important to focus on lower levels of your home. You can purchase a radon testing device or hire a qualified tester. Here are the main types of radon tests:

• Passive Devices: These don’t require power and are sent to a lab for analysis. Examples include charcoal canisters and alpha-track detectors.
• Active Devices: These require power and can measure and record radon levels continuously. They are more expensive but provide detailed information.

Testing duration varies:

• Short-term tests (48 hours to 90 days) are often used in real estate transactions.
• Long-term tests (90+ days) provide a year-round average.

Ensure all testing instructions are followed carefully to avoid interference and obtain reliable results.

What to Do If Radon Levels Are High

If radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. Common methods to reduce radon include sealing foundation cracks, installing venting systems, or sub-slab suction. Radon mitigation is relatively simple and affordable—often comparable to other home repairs.

For levels between 2-4 pCi/L the EPA recommends considering radon mitigation.

A radon test is something I recommend for every homebuyer I work with, as radon levels (especially in vintage homes) are frequently high. The cost of installing a mitigation system can often be negotiated as part of the sale! If you are selling your home, anticipate that a buyer may ask for radon testing as part of their home inspection.

Radon and Home Renovations

Before starting any major renovation, particularly in basements or lower levels, test your home’s radon levels. If levels increase after renovations, additional mitigation may be necessary. Installing a radon-reduction system during renovations is often less expensive than retrofitting one later.

If you’re considering buying or selling your home, or need more information on radon testing or mitigation, feel free to reach out.

For more details on radon, visit the following resources:

• EPA Radon Information
• EPA Radon Publications