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Radon & Your Home
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Radon gas is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that can pose a serious health risk.
It is produced from minerals in soil and rock, such as uranium and radium.
Indoor Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers.
This naturally occurring substance has been found in homes throughout the United States.
It is responsible for more than 20,000 lung-disease-related deaths every year.
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Radon gas is able to move through pore spaces in the soil or fill material around a home's foundation.
Minnesota homes tend to operate under a negative pressure and this is especially true in the lowest portions of the home and during the heating season.
This negative pressure acts as a vacuum that pulls soil gases, including radon gases, into the lower level of the structure.
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Radon gas typically enters the home through underground crawl spaces, openings or gaps in basement floors and walls, sump pumps, utility penetrations, etc.
Environmental experts caution that homeowners should have their homes tested.
If you are concerned about radon gas in your home, you can have it tested.
Tests can be preformed to determine if radon gas is at acceptable levels.
You can contact your nearest branch of the Environmental Protection Agency for information about how to find a qualified professional company to perform the tests.
If levels are dangerous, a qualified professional contractor can install a radon gas reduction system.
It is recommended that levels are again tested after the installation of a reduction system, to verify that it is reducing the radon gas levels.
In addition, if you are buying a house, you might consider including a radon test as part of the structural contingency clause.
For more information on radon visit www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/
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