You can’t see it.  You can’t smell it.  But thousands of Minnesota homes have potentially harmful levels of radon gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  Radon is a radioactive gas–that means it continuously decays and releases radiation.  It is produced from minerals in soil, such as uranium and radium.  This type of radiation causes damage when it gets into a persons body.  The result of such damage is that radon causes cancer in humans.

Why is radon important to know about?  The Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States—second only to smoking.  For non-smokers in this country, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer.  Radon causes between 15,000-22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in this country.  Of all cancer deaths in Wright County, lung cancer is the most prevalent.

Why is radon a common problem in Minnesota homes?  Much of the soil in the Upper Midwest contains widespread uranium and radium.  These minerals continuously break down to release radon gas.  Therefore, Minnesota soil and rock provides an ongoing supply of radon.  Also, a large number of Minnesota homes have high levels of radon in the indoor air because of how the homes are built and how they operate in our climate.  One important factor is that many Minnesota homes have basements that are used as living spaces.  Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) estimates that about one in three Minnesota homes have enough radon to pose a large risk to a home owner’s health over a number of years of exposure.

How does radon enter a home?  Radon, because it is a gas is able to move through spaces in the soil or fill material around a home’s foundation.  Radon can enter a home through the floors and walls–anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil.  What happens after radon gets into the home?  Once radon enters a home it moves freely throughout the indoor air and people can breathe it into their lungs.  The level of radon is often highest in the lower part of the building.  Radon moves through a house with natural air movement and it can be distributed by forced-air ventilation systems.  As radon moves away from the homes foundation or other entry points, it mixes into the fresh air—generally in the upper levels of the home where there is more fresh air ventilation.

How can I find out if my home has a radon problem?  Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless.  Therefore, a radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home.  Performing a radon test on your own is easy, and inexpensive.  Every home is unique due to its local soil, construction details and maintenance.  That is why test results from a nearby home cannot be relied upon to predict the radon levels in another.  Also, previous test results may not reflect current and future radon levels for a home that has been remodeled, weatherized, or changes made to its heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems.  The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesota homeowners test their homes for radon.  The results of a radon test will help homeowners determine for themselves if they need to take further action to protect their family from the health risks of radon in the home.

During the month of January, WCHS will be selling short-term radon test kits at a reduced cost of $3.00.  A short-term kit will give you the quickest results–it has to be placed out for 4-7 days.  If a person is interested in a purchasing a radon test kit they can stop in at Wright County Human Services, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo MN 55313, the WOW Van, or mail a check to the address above (check payable to Wright County) and we will mail the kit out to you.