Dakota County Offering Free Radon Test Kits to Residents
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA - Dakota County Public Health encourages residents to test their homes for radon, a colorless and odorless gas that poses serious health risks. Radon is naturally present in soil and can seep into homes through foundation cracks, accumulating to dangerous levels. Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually.
A recent study found that 2 out of 5 homes in Dakota County have high radon levels. Testing is the only way to determine if radon is present in a house. To help residents stay safe, Dakota County Public Health is providing free radon test kits on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to Get a Free Radon Test Kit Residents can pick up a free radon test kit at the following locations:
Western Service Center (second floor)
Northern Service Center (fourth floor)
Each household is eligible for one kit per in-person request. Kits are not available for businesses, including real estate agents, and they are not available for mailing.
Why Test During Colder Months? Winter is an ideal time for testing because heating systems can increase indoor radon levels by drawing in more gas from the soil. Dakota County Public Health strongly recommends testing all homes to ensure safe indoor air quality.
Other Testing Options For those who miss out on a free test kit, radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores. Some test kits require an additional fee for laboratory analysis, so residents should check whether the cost of the kit includes testing fees before purchasing.
Taking Action Against Radon If a home is found to have high radon levels, mitigation systems are available to reduce exposure. Homeowners should consult with certified radon mitigation professionals to address the issue effectively.
Residents can contact the Dakota County Public Health Department at 952-891-7500 or visit the county’s radon website for more information on radon testing or to request a test kit.
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Written by: Will Wight
