Rice County Public Health Offers Free Radon Test Kits to Area Homeowners

Testing is the only way to know if your home contains dangerous levels of cancer-causing gas.

Rice County Public Health is offering free radon test kits to homeowners in Rice County during January, which is Radon Action Month.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that all homes in Minnesota be tested for radon. It's the only way to know if your home has an elevated level of radon, which can cause lung cancer. Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and can enter homes primarily through cracks and openings in basement or foundation floors and walls.

To obtain a test kit, come to Rice County Public Health at 320 Third Street N.W. in Faribault or 801 Washington in Northfield. 

MDH estimates that one in three existing Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a large health risk over many years of exposure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and more than 21,000 deaths are attributed to radon each year. 

Radon exposure, however, is largely preventable. First, test your home to see if you have elevated radon levels. Testing is easy, free, and only takes 3-5 days. If your home has dangerous levels, you can have a system installed to reduce radon from your indoor air. In homes with levels over 4 pCi/L, homeowners should consider verification testing and possible mitigation.

For more information on radon testing and mitigation visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/mitigation.html or call the Rice County Public Health Department at 507-332-6111. 

CONTACTS:
Natalie Ginter, Health Educator, (507) 332-6111
Gary Weiers, County Administrator, (507) 332-6121