BLAINE, Minn. (Nov. 7, 2013) — Every 25 minutes, one person in the United States dies from lung cancer caused by a silent killer. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, radioactive radon gas is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It is recommended that all Minnesota homes be tested for radon; the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless– without testing, it would be nearly impossible to determine the amount of radon present in a home.
From the Minnesota Department of Health:
Three ways to protect you and your family:
- Test your home – obtain a test kit
- Reduce your exposure – reduce radon gas by taking action to reduce radon entry into your home
- Protect your loved ones – tell your family and friends to test so they are not exposed to a deadly gas in their homes
Testing is inexpensive and takes only three to five days to complete. It is recommended that radon tests be completed in seasons when the heat is typically on, specifically in late fall or winter. However, radon tests can be completed at any time of the year. Test kits are available at city and county health departments, as well as at many hardware stores and directly from radon testing labs.
For more information about testing your home for radon and what to do if your home’s radon level is above recommended levels, call the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.
