Radon
Working on securing your family's health: essential radon testing!
This winter, we are inviting participants in our study to measure the radon levels in their home at no cost in order to understand and reduce the exposure to this hazardous gas!
What is radon, and why do we need to be concerned about it?
Many of us might have heard about radon in the news or in casual conversations, but when someone asks us what radon is, most of us draw a blank. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Indoor Air Quality Unit, radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the soil. When inhaled, it can damage your lungs. It is estimated that 21,000 people die each year in the United States from lung cancer due to radon exposure. A radon test is the only way to know how much radon is in your home.
Radon gas enters our homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. Many types of homes can have elevated radon including mobile homes that are placed on supports and have skirting around them, and apartment buildings where radon can travel through elevators and air shafts.
Why should we all be concerned about radon exposure?
It is crucial to maintain low levels of radon in our homes, as this imperceptible gas is the leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Prolonged and consistent exposure to this gas is harmful to anyone.
The matter of radon is a significant public health problem in Minnesota, where nearly 40% of homes are estimated to have concerning levels of radon.
Why is that happening in Minnesota? Is it the way our homes are built?
Not exactly. High radon occurs when there is uranium in the soil. Soil composition in our part of the country is particularly high in uranium and this increases the likelihood that we have elevated levels of radon gas in our homes.
It is challenging to predict whether a home has high radon levels, as home construction and ventilation can impact radon levels. In fact, two neighbors may have very different radon exposure levels! Each home needs to be tested to determine the level of radon exposure. Test results are used to determine whether action is needed to reduce radon levels in the home.
Do we need to test, and how often?
It is recommended that we all test our homes for radon. After receiving your radon test results you will know whether radon is a risk for you and your family. If test results are high certain actions may need to be taken to make your home safe - see the 10,000 Families Study’s suggested actions based on your results - 'What Actions to Take'.
Homes that have received a test result in the 'good' range or have installed a mitigation system should retest every 2 to 5 years. Radon mitigation systems also need to be checked for their effectiveness in lowering the radon levels.
Are the levels of radon in our homes higher in winter?
Yes, exposure to radon is typically higher during the winter months in Minnesota when people keep their windows closed. Average radon levels rise and fall throughout the seasons due to home ventilation and heating. Although radon levels tend to be higher in the winter, they can be elevated at any time of the year. Radon testing is typically conducted during colder months, therefore we suggest testing now.
If I am looking for housing, are there some zones that are better or or worse for radon levels?
Homes throughout Minnesota can have high radon levels. While there is some geographic variation across the state, health officials emphasize that high radon can be found anywhere in Minnesota. A map describing radon levels in homes across Minnesota can be found on the MDH website - Radon map.
Where can I find programs or incentives available to mitigate our home radon level?
Mitigation is an action taken to lower the level of radon in the home. This is an important step for homes that have confirmed high radon to protect families from this dangerous gas. Currently, there are very limited financial sources to help Minnesotans in this process. The usual cost for mitigation can range between $1,500 to $3,000. The MDH has information on grants and loans for mitigation assistance that you can find in Financial Assistance for Radon.
Are there regulations or laws regarding testing or mitigation of radon?
Yes, the state of Minnesota passed a Radon Licensing Act in 2015. Any professional and/or company that measures, mitigates, or analyzes radon is required to be licensed and use system tags.
Additionally, since 2013, individuals selling a property must disclose any knowledge of radon levels in their home, including whether the property has been tested for radon.
What is the 10,000 Families Study (10KFS) doing to help with this critical issue?
10KFS is offering a free radon testing kit for every household involved in the study. Participants place the test in their home and return the test in a prepaid mailer. Test results are sent directly to participants along with information on interpreting test results. 10KFS provides information about radon gas—risks and prevention.
In addition, 10KFS hosts a live webinar with MDH where participants learn more about this harmful gas from experts and can ask questions about their radon test results. Visit our 10KFS YouTube channel to watch last year’s webinars in both English and Spanish, as well as find information about radon in other languages.
Why are you doing this and since when?
10KFS is conducting research to explore how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures impact our health. In 2021, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) granted 10KFS funding to investigate the connection between environmental exposures, including radon, and certain blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. While radon is a universally accepted risk factor for lung cancer, more research is needed to determine whether radon also increases risk of blood cancers.
The first campaign to test radon in 10KFS participant homes took place in the winter of 2023. Testing for 2024 is underway!
What were the results of the first campaign?
It is very important for everyone to be aware of whether their home has elevated levels of radon. In our first campaign the majority of homes (59%) had radon levels greater than 2pCi/L. These participants were advised to conduct a second radon test to confidently determine whether the levels of radon gas were too high.
Finally, 5% of homes had radon levels considered unsafe, prompting further recommended action. For more details, refer to our 'What Actions to Take' informational document.
What can we do now?
10KFS is once again offering free radon test kits to participants for the 2024 winter season. Remember, once you are enrolled in the study (What do I need to do?) and have completed the questionnaire and study consent, you will receive an email invitation to participate in the radon testing initiative (one test per address).
If you are already enrolled in 10KFS and did not participate in the 2023 campaign, you can find out if you have completed the necessary steps to participate this year by sending a message to [email protected].
