Myths and Facts

Myth: Radon testing is difficult, expensive and time consuming.
Fact: Testing is easy. You can test your home using a test kit from your local hardware store or from our distributor Air Chek. The kits typically cost about $15 and takes just a few minutes to set up. At the end of the test it takes only a couple of more minutes to take it down and send in. These test also include shipping charges and lab fees, which are generally not included with the box store tests. These test kits have great results when used properly. If you need the test done in as little as 48 hours because of a real estate transaction, you can also hire a certified radon testing company such as Minnesota Radon Specialists.
Myth: Short term tests are not sufficient for making a decision whether or not to fix your home.
Fact: Short term tests can be used to decide whether or not to fix your home, provided the test were done according to the EPA's testing protocol. However, your radon levels may vary slightly at different times of the year. Winter time can produce higher rates than summer, because your house it kept closed more of the time.
Myth: Radon affects only certain types of homes.
Fact: Radon can be a problem in any type of home: new or old, with or without a basement, drafty or insulated. The presence of small deposits of uranium in the soil is the largest factor that affects radon levels in your home. Some newer homes may be built with passive radon resistant features but even these homes should be tested to see if the system should be activated.
Myth: A neighbors test result is a good indication of radon levels in your home.
Fact: Radon levels can vary greatly from house to house. The only way to know if you have high levels of radon in your home is to test.
Myth: Homes with radon problems cannot be fixed or are very expensive to fix.
Fact: Fixing radon may be cheaper and easier than you may think. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been fix and the process typically only takes a day to complete at a cost of about $1200 to $1800.
Myth: It is difficult to sell a home where high levels of radon have been found.
Fact: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or delayed. The added feature of a radon reduction system is often a good selling feature.
Myth: Sealing holes, cracks and openings in the basement floor will fix radon.
Fact: Sealing your basement floor alone has not been shown to significantly reduce radon, however, it is done in conjunction with other steps (such a the installation of a radon fan) as part of a radon reduction system.
Myth: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.
Fact: High radon levels have been found in every state and half of Minnesota has been found to have the highest concentrations. Check the map.
Myth: I have lived in my house for so long, why would it matter if I have radon.
Fact: You will reduce your potential risk of lung cancer when you reduce your levels of radon, even if you lived with elevated levels for a long time.