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Radon
What is it? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless and is formed from the decay process of radium and can collect in enclosed areas becoming a potential health hazard. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
How does it enter the home? The gas is formed in the soil and since most Minnesota homes during the winter have a negative pressure, the gases get sucked into the the lower level of homes. Radon can enter the home through walls and floors or any where there is an opening between the soil and the home.
Major Radon Entry Routes
- Cracks in concrete slabs.
- Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-block foundations.
- Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.
- Floor-wall joints.
- Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.
- Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open sump.
- Mortar joints.
- Loose fitting pipe penetrations.
- Open tops of block walls.
- Building materials, such as brick, concrete, rock.
- Well water (not commonly a major source in Minnesota homes).
Radon Mitigation
There are a number of way to lower the amount of radon in a home. A quality radon reduction system is often able to reduce the annual average radon level to below 2 picoCuries per liter. Experienced radon mitigation professionals can install appropriate control systems. Contact Minnesota Department of Health for information regarding radon mitigation.
*Information from the Minnesota Department of Health
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