What is radon and why is it dangerous?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that rises from the soil and seeps into homes through foundations. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. Because you cannot see or smell it, testing is the only way to know whether a home has a problem.
Do I need a radon test in Plato, MN?
Yes. The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than two in five Minnesota homes test above the EPA action level, and McLeod County is part of that high-radon region. Levels vary house to house regardless of age or construction, so the only way to know your Plato home's level is to test it.
How is radon testing done?
We place a continuous radon monitor on the lowest livable level of the home, typically the basement, under closed-house conditions for a minimum of 48 hours. The monitor records hourly readings, which we average and report in picocuries per liter and compare against the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
Should I test an older home or a private well property?
Yes — radon is independent of the home's age, and well water in rural areas like Plato can even carry dissolved radon that releases indoors during use. We test the air with a continuous monitor regardless of the home's age or water source, because the only reliable way to know your level is to measure it.
What happens if radon levels are high?
If your result is at or above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system. These systems vent radon from beneath the foundation to the outside and are highly effective at reducing levels. Your report explains the result clearly so you can plan your next step.
