Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that naturally comes from the soil and can damage the lining of the lungs with long term exposures. Long term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer.

Radon exists all over the US, but the greatest exposure is where it can build up, like inside your home where people spend most of their time.

In Minnesota, 2 out of 5 homes exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. The MN Department of Health recommends radon mitigation at this level or greater.

The only way to know the level of radon in your home is to have a test conducted. There are special protocols for radon testing in real estate transactions and should be conducted by a certified professional.

Effective January 1, 2014 The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act requires disclosure to potential home buyers. Before signing a purchase agreement, the seller should disclose in writing:

* Radon tests conducted

* Current records of radon

* Description of radon levels,   mitigation or remediation

* Info on mitigation system

* a radon warning system