The month of January is National Radon Action Month courtesy of the EPA. The second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States of America is the invisible and odorless gas called radon. At the EPA‘s National Radon Action Month page you can find a wealth of information about radon and download a Radon Outreach Kit.
A year ago radon became part of every real estate transaction involving a dwelling. On every Minnesota Association of REALTORS Purchase Agreement and Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, radon is addressed. Prior to January 1, 2014, I had only one real estate transaction that had a contingency for a radon test. Last year, every transaction involving a home where I represented the buyer and/or seller included a radon test. What was surprising to me was how many of the homes had radon levels above the EPA recommended level. The test performed by a professional is inexpensive ($100-150) especially when you consider the valuable real estate living in your home. You can also buy an inexpensive self-test kit from the Douglas County Public Health Department. Locally you can contact Scott Hunke of Lakes Area Radon Service (NEHA/NRPP Certified) at 320-815-0474 to arrange a test. Also most home inspectors also have the equipment for radon testing. A few local options are Tischer Home Inspections (320-760-4513), Rock Solid Inspections (320-808-6538) and Mid-America Inspection Services (320-846-0004).
