Radon Gas Testing

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the earth. When inhaled, it gives off radioactive particles that can damage the cells that line the lung. Long term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. In fact, over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the US each year are from radon, making it a serious health concern for all Minnesotans.

The soil. Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Uranium breaks down to radium. As radium disintegrates it turns into radioactive gas...radon. As a gas, radon moves up through the soil and into the air you breathe.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer (after tobacco) in smokers. Thankfully, this risk should be entirely preventable through awareness and testing.

While radon is present everywhere, and there is no known, safe level, your greatest exposure is where it can concentrate-indoors. And where you spend most time-at home. Your home can have radon whether it be old or new, well-sealed or drafty, and with or without a basement.

High radon exist in every state in the US. In Minnesota, 2 in 5 homes has radon levels that pose a significant health risk, and nearly 80% of counties are rated high radon zones. Some factors that further contribute to Minnesota's high radon levels include:

• Minnesota's geology produces an ongoing supply of radon.
• Minnesota's climate affects how our homes are built and operate.

Since radon is produced from soil, it is present nearly everywhere. Because soil is porous radon gas is able to move up through the dirt and rocks and into the air we breathe. If allowed to accumulate, radon becomes a health concern. Two components that affect how much radon will accumulate in a home are pathways and air pressure. These components will differ from home to home.

• Pathways are routes the gas uses to enter your home and found anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil.
• Air pressure between your home's interior and the exterior soil is what helps to draw radon gas into the home via pathways.

To ensure valid test results are obtained, it is critical that the following conditions are maintained for a minimum of 12 hours prior to and during the entire testing period.
To the best of my knowledge, I hereby certify that I will maintain the following conditions:

• Windows closed on all levels of the building including areas not being tested
• All exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit
• Heating and cooling system set to normal occupied operating condition with temperature setting between 65 and 80 degrees F
• Energy or heat recovery ventilators set to the lowest ventilation condition that occurs for any season
• Fireplaces not operated (unless they are the primary and normal heating sources)
• No excessive use of clothes dryers, kitchen exhaust fans, and bathroom fans
• No tampering, removal or change in the location of the test device(s).

Any questions should be directed to the licensed radon professional performing the test. You can find additional information from the Minnesota Department of Health at their website Radon in Homes (mn.gov/radon).

We have a great reputation for going above and beyond on our house inspections and we guarantee our work. We service the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area including, but not limited to the following Minnesota cities: Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hopkins, Edina, Richfield, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, Savage, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Woodbury, Oakdale, Maplewood, Roseville, Blaine, Brooklyn Center & Brooklyn Park.

You can also look at our interactive service area map on the homepage of our website.