Radon FlyerRadon is a colorless and odorless gas found in the soil and common throughout Minnesota. Because soil is porous,
radon moves up from the soil and into the home. The gas can accumulate in the air we breathe becoming a health
concern. Radon gas decays into f ine particles that are radioactive. When inhaled, these f ine particles can damage the
lung. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can lead to lung cancer.
Radon is a serious public health concern in Minnesota. The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three
times higher than the U.S. radon level. In Minnesota, more than two in f ive homes have radon levels that pose a
signif icant health risk.
Any radon level poses some health risk and it is not possible to reduce radon to zero. The best approach is to lower
the radon level as much as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the action level at 4
pCi/L (picocuries of radon per liter of air). At 4 pCi/L or higher it is recommended to install a radon mitigation
system to reduce the radon levels.
MDH recommends all Minnesotans test their home for radon. A radon test is the only way to f ind out how much
radon is in your home. You can test your home yourself. Start with a short-term test. Your local health department
or government agency may of fer test kits at reduced prices. You can also order a short-term radon test kit at
mn.radon.com. If the radon is high, hire a licensed radon professional to install a radon mitigation system. Licensed
radon professionals are on MDH’s website at mn.gov/radonpro.
You can find more information on radon, including ordering a radon test kit and how to understand your radon test
result, at mn.gov/radon.
What is radon?
What are the levels in Minnesota?
What is a safe level?
What can I do?
Understanding Radon
In Minnesota, 2 in 5
homes have high radon.
Radon:
Leading cause of
lung cancer in
non-smokers.
16 - 35%
36 - 50%
51 - 64%
65 - 80%
( Years 2010 - 2020)
Percent of MN Properties Tested
for Radon that are 4 pCi/L
radon radon
SOIL
December 2022