Eden Prairie has elevated radon levels in its soil, a common issue in southern Minnesota.
“The southwest metropolitan area and, in fact, most of southern Minnesota has higher-than-normal amounts of radon,” said Dan Tranter, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Research indicates that radon levels from north of the Twin Cities to the Iron Range and northwest toward the Canadian border are lower compared to the rest of Minnesota. The state’s average radon level is three times the national average, a condition linked to long winters that result in extended periods of closed, heated homes, thereby contributing to higher radon concentrations.
“It has to do with geology, and the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota are just in an area where the conditions allow for high content,” added Tranter.
MDH offers extensive information on its website about radon, a by-product of decaying uranium that occurs naturally in soil. Many homes with high levels of radon can accumulate enough of the gas to pose serious, even lethal, health risks.
“There are approximately 127,000 cases of lung cancer nationwide, and it is estimated that roughly 21,000 of those are a direct result of radon exposure,” Tranter said.
In Minnesota, radon typically seeps into houses through the basements, which are below-grade and surrounded by soil.
The City of Eden Prairie has no ordinances dealing with radon, so homeowners and renters of single-family homes must address any problems themselves. Stephen Kartak, the city’s building inspector, says there are no plans to craft such an ordinance, so homeowners and renters of single-family homes must address any problems themselves.
Testing the dwelling, MDH stated on its website, is the first step in addressing a radon problem. Homeowners can use a detection kit available at hardware or home improvement stores or hire a qualified, licensed professional to conduct the tests.
If it is determined that the radon levels are high, there are a few methods for remedying the problem.
For starters, seal cracks and any holes or openings in the foundation.
All entry points (like for utilities), cracks, drains, and openings can be filled with urethane foam. Wall and floor joints can be sealed with polyurethane membrane sealants. Again, these are available at hardware or home improvement stores.
Keep windows open on the lowest level, weather permitting. Ventilation is key for reducing radon levels. If possible, open several windows on the lowest level of your home or office, which is closest to the soil. Even a small crack allows fresh air to flow in, lowering the radon concentration in the air. You can opt to open windows on upper levels to allow air to flow throughout the entire space.
Ceiling fans help disperse the radon particles in the air. However, avoid exhaust fans.
Finally, if you can make the right decision, you can use a certified, licensed professional to handle the matter.
Experts recommend radon mitigation systems, especially active soil depressurization, as a key solution for homes with elevated radon levels. These systems effectively reduce indoor radon by safely venting it outdoors. In Minnesota, homeowners typically incur costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 for installation, although more complex or larger homes may see higher costs.
For more information about radon, the Minnesota Department of Health provides a 30-page brochure available online.
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