Indoor radon is a common problem for homes nationwide, and Minnesota homes are affected at a higher rate than usual. In fact, Minnesota has some of the highest average radon levels in the United States. The Twin Cities area is no exception to this; local homes consistently experience higher levels of indoor radon than those in most other metro areas.
Studies by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have found that around 40% of homes in the state test as having an indoor radon level surpassing 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This is the level at which the EPA recommends taking action to mitigate radon within the home.
There are several factors that cause indoor radon buildup to be a common problem for homes in the Twin Cities area. One of these major factors is that the glacial soil and granite bedrock under the ground in this region is naturally rich in uranium. Because of this, the soil releases abnormally high amounts of radon gas, which then becomes trapped in local homes.
Another factor contributing to the Twin Cities’ higher indoor radon levels is the cold winter climate. Local homes are tightly sealed and highly insulated to protect them from the sub-zero temperatures often encountered during the winter months. Unfortunately, this worsens the radon problem for homes in the area because the tight seal traps radon gas indoors.
Additionally, the majority of homes in Minnesota are built with basements, which contain many cracks and gaps that allow radon gas to seep inside. Basements are vulnerable to the “stack effect,” which causes warm air to rise through homes, creating negative pressure that pulls subterranean air into the basement – and radon along with it. The stack effect is particularly strong during cold winter weather.
To keep radon from building up in your home, it’s recommended to work with local radon mitigation specialists. Connect with Ground One today to schedule radon mitigation system installation services in the Twin Cities metro area.
Radon Mitigation in Minneapolis / St. Paul MN.
