Radon Testing
Radon is an invisible and odorless gas, the only way to find out if you have elevated levels is to do a radon test.
We have been trained and are certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA )in testing for radon. We follow all protocols in every test to assure accurate results. Most tests we do are done with an electronic continuous radon monitor. This monitor is rated to do real estate transactions. The monitor takes a sample of the air every hour and gives us an instant result of your radon levels. This test can be completed in as little as 48 hours. This test will give you your Radon measurement in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Picocuries is how Radon tests are measured. A picocuries per liter is defined as a unit of measure used to express the results of radioactivity tests in air and water. For radon gas, one picocurie per liter is the amount of radon in the air so that 2.2 atoms of radon decay during one minute in one liter of air.(2)
Our continuous radon monitors are calibrated annually and cross checked on a regular basis so we can be sure we are getting reliable data. We carry Sun Nuclear radon equipment for our primary testing. You can view the pdf by clicking here.
What to do with Test Results
If the test results are above 4.0 pCi/L, this is considered above the US EPAs action level. At this point mitigation is recommended. Generally speaking any amount of radon carries some risk, even at or below the recommended action level. However the risk of lung cancer increases with the higher long-term average radon levels. So you may want to consider radon mitigation even if you level is below 4.0 pCi/L
Below you find a map that shows the potential for Radon in Minnesota. This map is only predicted levels of Radon. Your house may contain none or may be above the EPAs action level. Also be aware that tests done in other structures around your house are not indicative of Radon levels in your house..
EPA Map of Minnesota Radon Zones
EPA Map of U.S.A.
EPA Map of Minnesota Radon Zones.
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| Predications of Radon as recommend by the EPA | Potential for Radon | |
| Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) (red zones) | Highest Potential | |
| Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones) | Moderate Potential | |
| Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (yellow zones) | Low Potential |