New Bill Will Increase Radon Awareness Among Minnesota Residents

With dangerous levels of radon found all across Minnesota, state leaders are hoping to bring more attention to the dangers associated with the odorless, invisible gas with the create of two new bills.

State legislature has already passed a bill aimed at increasing awareness of radon among homebuyers in Minnesota. The Radon Awareness Act, created by State Representative Carolyn Laine, requires sellers to provide information to the homebuyers about any radon testing and mitigation that was done in the home, as well as literature explaining the dangers associated with radon.

State Representative Paul Anderson attempted to introduce another bill called “Janet’s Bill,” named for Twin Cities resident Janet Thompson, who died from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. Likely to be reintroduced next year, the bill would require Minnesotans to test their home for radon before putting it on the market; unless a test was conducted within the past five years.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), nearly 80 percent of the state’s counties are considered high radon zones. They claim that Minnesota’s geology and climate contribute to the state’s high radon levels. 

Radon is an odorless gas that occurs naturally in the soil and is found everywhere. Radon can penetrate a home’s foundation or enter through cracks. It’s the leading cause of cancer among nonsmokers. More than 700 deaths in Minnesota have been attributed to radon exposure.

“The only way to know if you are being exposed to higher-than-recommended radon levels is to have your home tested,” said Jeremy Huttson, owner of Twin Cities Radon Services in Saint Michael. “If high levels are found, our professionals can install a radon mitigation system that is well worth the investment and could potentially save your life.”

The MDH recommends that homes be retested for radon every 2-5 years and before and after any major structural renovations. A test should also be performed after installing a new heating system or central air conditioning. An experienced radon mitigation specialist can help Minnesota homeowners choose the right radon mitigation system to reduce indoor radon levels.

Twin Cities Radon Services is a full-service radon mitigation contractor in Minnesota, specializing in radon testing, customized mitigation systems, dehumidifier installation and indoor air cleaning services. They are part of the National Radon Defense network of radon mitigation experts, providing the Greater Minneapolis area with expert radon abatement.