Radon tests available at Courthouse during National Radon Action Month

As one of the leading causes of lung cancer, January is recognized as National Radon Action Month.

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that naturally occurs in soil and is commonly found in northern Minnesota and across the United States. Approximately 21,000 Americans die from lung cancer caused by radon each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“It’s pretty prevalent here in Cook County,” said Mike Senty, a state-licensed radon technician. “We’re in an area where there’s quite a bit of radon.”

Radon enters a home through the soil underneath a house and is typically found in basements or crawl spaces, Senty said. “Radon is at the highest level in the lower areas of the home.”

Homeowners concerned or curious about radon levels can test a home using a radon test kit or hire a state-licensed radon technician. Senty said the test takes approximately two to three days to complete. Free tests are available at the Cook County Courthouse.

Radon Kit | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Senty said mitigation measures are available once radon is found in a home.

“Mitigation for radon is accomplished by depressurization underneath the basement slab or in a crawl space,” Senty said. Homeowners can hire a state-licensed radon mitigation contractor to conduct mitigation. Senty said the mitigation process takes one day.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Mike Senty, a state-licensed radon technician, about National Radon Action Month, how to test for radon, mitigation measures, and more. The audio from the interview is below.

Learn more about radon from the Minnesota Department of Health here.

Kalli Hawkins January 23, 2025