Radon Gas - the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

Radon gas is created when uranium in the soil decays. The gas then seeps through any access point into a home such as cracks in the foundation or basement floor, drain tile and sump, or uncovered soils in crawl spaces. The gas can collect in basements and other low-lying, closed areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 4 pico curies per liter as an action level.   Professional correction to lower the radon level is recommended for homes at or over this level. 

Radon has been found in homes throughout Minnesota. Certain areas are more susceptible than others, but no location is immune. The ONLY way to tell for sure is to have a home tested.  SMOKERS see info below.  Nearly all the Twin Cities area counties are in the EPA Zone 1 category (highest risk potential), however, it is not possible to predict radon levels from one home to the next.   Testing is recommended for all homes.  Cancer Survivors against Radon is a source of further information about the health risks of radon.

We offer radon tests.  (continuous radon monitor for 48 hours)  $175 (when done with a home inspection) $195 if radon test only.  Roger Hankey is a  National Environmental Health Association - National Radon Proficiency Program certified radon measurement professional NEHA NRPP ID 105728RT and a member of AARST.

Individuals holding a Residential Measurement Provider for Standard and Analytical Services have demonstrated knowledge of U.S. EPA radon measurement protocols for the placement and retrieval of radon measurement devices. They have also demonstrated knowledge of the proper interpretation of results obtained in residential settings. Furthermore, these individuals possess and analyze radon measurement devices. Depending upon the specific device, this may allow for rapid provision of test results. The testing professional may also be able to characterize trends in radon concentration and determine unusual conditions arising from such influences as weather changes or occupant tampering of a test. To obtain this additional classification, individuals follow strict quality assurance and quality control guidelines and device specific protocols, and calibrate each instrument annually. The classification is specific to devices with which an individual has demonstrated proficiency. 

We use a continuous radon monitor which provides prompt results at the conclusion of the test.  The results are emailed to you.

If elevated levels of radon are found in your home, you have several options.

   Sub-slab suction - to remove radon from below the basement floor, via a sump pump and foundation drain tile system, if present.

   Air to Air Heat Exchangers - to continuously ventilate the house

Both options are relatively easily to install, with costs from around $1200 to $2500. (we do not provide these services, but can refer you to firms we trust)

If you're buying or selling a home, radon can be a significant issue. The EPA recommends every house be tested. If test results already exist, make sure they are recent or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the test was performed. If in doubt, get a new test done. 

If you are a tobacco smoker, your lung cancer risk factor from smoking multiplies with the cancer risk factor from radon.  Therefore, smokers should ALWAYS get radon tests when purchasing a home. For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon.

For information specific to Minnesota, click here to see the Minnesota Dept. of Health website.