Dakota County residents are encouraged to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month in January.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soils. It has no color, taste or smell. It can enter homes through cracks or openings in walls or foundations. It's the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More than 20,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon each year.
About 2 in 5 Dakota County homes have dangerous levels of radon gas. South and southwestern Minnesota county homes tested have a higher percentage of detectable radon than other northern counties. Fortunately, the risk from radon is largely preventable.
Testing is easy, inexpensive and only takes 3–7 days for a short-term test. Test results will be emailed to you and further recommendations will be sent if your test indicates very high levels of radon. Phone consultations with Dakota County Public Health staff are also available. While it is best to test during colder months, radon testing can be done year-round. The county offers one radon test kit per visit for residents at no cost at these locations:
- Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul
Public Health Department, fourth floor - Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley
Public Health Department, second floor
A list of other test kit vendors and other radon information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) radon website. MDH also offers an interactive radon levels map.
Minnesota law requires disclosure and information be provided to buyers about radon during Minnesota home sales. The law does not require radon testing or mitigation.