Dangerous Gas Detected in 40% of Minnesota Homes – What You Need to Know

"Silent Killer".  That sounds like the title of a horror movie, right?!  While it could potentially be box office thriller, it is actually the nickname for a dangerous gas in 40% of Minnesota homes.

"Silent Killer" Detected in 40% of Minnesota Homes

Several years ago, I had the title of REALTOR behind my name.  I watched numerous subdivisions grow thanks to new real estate developments in Minnesota.  Beyond the Parade of Homes fanfare, I was also educated about the "silent killer" in our state.

The "silent killer" is radon.  Here are a few shocking statistics from the CDC about this dangerous gas lurking in 40% of our homes:

• Radon is a colorless, odorless gas called radon that is in 40% of homes in Minnesota.
• According to the Minnesota Department of Health, radon levels in Minnesota are more than 3x higher than the levels throughout the United States.  3x!
• If you are exposed to radon for a long time, it can damage the lungs and lead to lung cancer.
• Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
• There are easy ways to test and reduce radon levels in your home.

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Isn't Radon in Minnesota Just a Myth?

During one of the home showings that I had, a seller had her home tested for radon and although the levels were high, she refused to have a mitigation system put in due to the thought of radon being "fake news".

Please don't listen to people who insist that radon is fake news.  Instead, do your own research.  Get the facts.  Be informed.  Here are a few sites where you can start to dig in to learn more:

• Basic Radon Facts - EPA.gov
• Key Facts About Radon - World Health Organization
• Radon in Homes - Minnesota Department of Health
• 6 Myths About Radon and Lung Cancer

How To Find Out If Your Minnesota Home Has Radon

Radon testing is easy!  According to the Minnesota Department of Health, testing should be done every 2 to 5 years.  If you make changes to your home, like a remodeling project with new windows, HVAC, adding a new room, etc., it is important to also have a radon test after those enhancements to your home are finished.  You can learn more about how to find radon tests here.

When Does a Home Need a Radon Mitigation System?

If you have a radon test done at your residence and the levels are higher than 4.0 pCi/L, it is recommended that a radon mitigation system be installed. 

Newer homes that are built in Minnesota may already have this in place but older homes would need to have this installed by a professional.  You can find a list of radon mitigation professionals here.

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