Nicollet County Environmental Health offering Free Radon Test Kits While Supplies Last

Two of five Minnesota homes have dangerous levels of radon, an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can cause lung cancer. Locally, in Nicollet County, 60% of homes that were tested for radon had elevated levels. Every January during Radon Action Month, Nicollet County Environmental Health, alongside the Minnesota Department of Health, promotes the importance of testing your homes for radon. FREE short-term radon test kits will be available in Nicollet County while supplies last, beginning January 2nd, 2025.

In Minnesota, the average radon level is over three times higher than the national average, making the need for testing a huge importance. Radon comes through the soil around homes and seeps through sealed cracks in basement floors and walls. If radon is detected in homes, a licensed professional can install a system to reduce radon concentrations. Homes in Minnesota should be tested at least every 5 years.
If a large amount of radon is present in the home, the radioactive particles from the radon gas are breathed into the lungs. Exposure over long periods can increase the chances to develop lung cancer. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon every year in the United States. Testing is the only way to determine if your home has elevated levels of radon.

Free short-term radon test kits can be picked up at Nicollet County Health and Human Services locations in St. Peter and North Mankato while supplies last. Test kits can also be purchased through the Minnesota Department of Health at www.mn.radon.com.