Radon - you can’t see, taste or smell it, but it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil.
Radon can make its way into homes through cracks in the basement, and around pipes, sump pumps or drains. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show Ramsey County homes are in the highest risk category for elevated radon levels.
Because of the danger it presents, the City of Roseville encourages homeowners to test their home to see if radon is present. Testing is relatively easy. Radon test kits are available at many retail stores and from public health organizations, including Ramsey County Department of Public Health.
The short-term radon test is available for the cost of $9.00. This test uses activated carbon which is analyzed to determine radon level. The short-term test gives the user a "snapshot" of the home's radon level.
The long-term radon test costs $20.00. This test uses a container that radon particles enter. The canister is then analyzed under a microscope. It requires 3-12 months and gives seasonal average level of radon.
Ramsey County offers a short-term and a long-term testing kits. Log on to www.ramseycounty.us/residents/health-medical or call 651-266-1133 to order a radon test kit.