January is Radon Action Month, and the Minnesota Department of Health and Wright County Public Health are taking the opportunity to promote additional awareness to radon.
Dan Trantor is the Supervisor of the Indoor Air Unit with the Minnesota Department of Health. He says radon is easy to overlook because it gives no indication of its presence…
“Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It’s a type of radiation that’s naturally found in our soil. So there’s this gas that’s under our homes and other buildings, and it floats around and comes to the surface of the soil. Some of it is released into the outdoor air, and some of it gets sucked up into our homes, and it can build up to high concentrations in our homes. Because it’s a type of radiation, when you breathe it in, it can be months, or years depending on the concentration level, it can damage your lung tissue, and if that damage isn’t repaired, it can lead to lung cancer.
Trantor says there is a reason that Radon Action Month is observed during the winter…
“Radon levels can be a little higher in the winter, especially in cold regions like Minnesota. We tend to have our homes closed up in January, and we’re forced to run our heat which may result in higher radon levels. The wintertime is the time when we encourage people to test their home for radon. We’re concerned about radon because it’s carcinogenic. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and the leading cause among people who don’t smoke. Radon is estimated to cause about 21 thousand lung cancer deaths per year in the U-S. We want everyone to be aware of it and we’re encouraging people to test. You can test any time of year, but winter is a good time to test to see if it’s a problem.”
Laura Walter with Wright County Public Health says easy-to-use test kits are once again available through Wright County Health & Human Services for just 5 dollars while supplies last…
“When you buy a test kit from Wright County, you do get some educational materials with the kit. Additionally, if you ever have any questions, feel free to call Pubilc Health, just the general number and ask for radon information. That number is (763) 335-0280 and ask for environmental health and we’re happy to help. Otherwise, feel free to stop by the Wright County Government Center, 2nd floor, and we can come out and discuss any specific question regarding your house, or if you just have more questions, we’re happy to help there too.”
Again you can visit the Health & Human Services Department at the Wright County Government Center at 3650 Braddock Avenue NE, Suite 2100, in Buffalo. For more information, call (763) 335-0280.
MN Department of Health Radon Flyer (PDF)
