Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is naturally occurring in much of the soil throughout Minnesota.  It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the first cause among nonsmokers. More than 21,000 deaths are attributed to radon each year in the U.S. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) estimates that one in three existing Minnesota homes has radon levels that pose a large health risk over many years of exposure. Radon exposure, however, is preventable, and radon problems in homes can be fixed.

In 2010 the MDH Radon Program launched the MDH Gold Standard.  Gold Standard homes are built with radon resistant features that reduce the radon risk to occupants by actively drawing radon from below the home and venting it above the roofline of the home.  By building homes to the MDH Gold Standard, builders are working to protect the health of the families that live in their homes.

To learn more about the Gold Standard or radon testing in existing homes visit the MDH Radon website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/radon or call the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit at (651) 201-4601 or (800) 798-9050.