Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed January "Radon Action Month" in Minnesota, urging residents to take simple and affordable steps to test their homes for harmful levels of radon gas.

Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon can seep into a home from underground and, if left to accumulate, high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Health officials hope that by increasing public awareness of environmental health risks, such as radon, homeowners will take steps to improve indoor air quality, leading to healthier homes and communities.

The Minnesota Department of Health has sent more than 5,000 radon test kits to 25 local public health agencies around the state that wish to distribute them to local residents. For details on how to obtain a kit, contact your local public health agency or MDH. A list of participating health agencies can be found on the MDH website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/rncontacts.html.

Radon a major health risk in Minnesota
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 a preventable health threat.

Watch this informational video and pass this information along to friends and family. 
The video link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO6Xq9mJevo&feature=youtu.be

Radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so the only way for homeowners to know if their home has elevated levels of radon is to test. Testing is easy, inexpensive and only takes 3-5 days. Most test kits are priced under $20 and are available at city and county health departments, many hardware stores, or directly from radon testing laboratories. Tests should be done in the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. Tests should not be done in laundry or utility rooms, kitchens or bathrooms. Once you have tested, further action can be taken based upon your results. If your home's level is over 4.0 PiC/L, you should consider verification testing and having a radon mitigation system installed. Anyone interested in mitigating their home for radon should consult MDH's list of certified radon mitigation contractors at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/mitigation.html.

For more information on radon testing and mitigation visit www.health.state.mn.us/radon or call the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.

Major Radon Entry Routes

A. Cracks in concrete slabs.
B. Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-block foundations.
C. Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.
D. Floor-wall joints.
E. Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.
F. Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open sump.
G. Mortar joints.
H. Loose fitting pipe penetrations.
I. open tops fo block walls.
J. Building materials, such as brick, concrete, rock.
K. Well water (not commonly a major source in Minnesota homes).