Radon Mitigation, Radon Testing Near Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville | Radon Abatement in MN

New Bill Will Increase Radon Awareness Among Minnesota Residents

2024-04-30T13:40:05.05Z

With dangerous levels of radon found all across Minnesota, state leaders are hoping to bring more attention to the dangers associated with the odorless, invisible gas with the create of two new bills.

State legislature has already passed a bill aimed at increasing awareness of radon among homebuyers in Minnesota. The Radon Awareness Act, created by State Representative Carolyn Laine, requires sellers to provide information to the homebuyers about any radon testing and mitigation that was done in the home, as well as literature explaining the dangers associated with radon.

State Representative Paul Anderson attempted to introduce another bill called “Janet’s Bill,” named for Twin Cities resident Janet Thompson, who died from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon. Likely to be reintroduced next year, the bill would require Minnesotans to test their home for radon before putting it on the market; unless a test was conducted within the past five years.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), nearly 80 percent of the state’s counties are considered high radon zones. They claim that Minnesota’s geology and climate contribute to the state’s high radon levels.

Radon is an odorless gas that occurs naturally in the soil and is found everywhere. Radon can penetrate a home’s foundation or enter through cracks. It’s the leading cause of cancer among nonsmokers. More than 700 deaths in Minnesota have been attributed to radon exposure.

“The only way to know if you are being exposed to higher-than-recommended radon levels is to have your home tested,” said Jeremy Huttson, owner of Twin Cities Radon Services in Saint Michael. “If high levels are found, our professionals can install a radon mitigation system that is well worth the investment and could potentially save your life.”

The MDH recommends that homes be retested for radon every 2-5 years and before and after any major structural renovations. A test should also be performed after installing a new heating system or central air conditioning. An experienced radon mitigation specialist can help Minnesota homeowners choose the right radon mitigation system to reduce indoor radon levels.

Twin Cities Radon Services is a full-service radon mitigation contractor in Minnesota, specializing in radon testing, customized mitigation systems, dehumidifier installation and indoor air cleaning services. They are part of the National Radon Defense network of radon mitigation experts, providing the Greater Minneapolis area with expert radon abatement.

Take Steps to Protect Your Home During National Radon Action Month

2017-01-01T00:00:00.05Z

Image source: Environmental Protection Agency

Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, but its presence could be all too real in your home. Radon is a naturally occurring gas caused by the decay of radium, thorium, and uranium in the soil, and it can enter your home through cracks in your foundation or even seep inside with groundwater. Exposure to dangerous levels of radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 21,000 residents every year. The good news is, exposure to high levels of radon is an easily avoidable health risk if the proper steps are taken.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month, a time when homeowners are encouraged to learn about the dangers of radon exposure and take action to protect their homes through radon testing and radon mitigation. During this month, your number one priority should be to perform a radon test for your home and, if high levels are found, install a radon mitigation system to restore your home’s health and safety. If you’re looking for other ways to get involved as well, help spread the word by urging others to protect their health by performing radon tests in homes, schools, and offices.

Below, we have provided some answers to commonly asked questions about radon so you can learn a bit more about radon exposure in Minnesota. Be sure to share the knowledge with your family and friends!

Do I need to re-test my home for radon? If so, how frequently?

The EPA recommends re-testing your home for radon approximately every two years. You should also perform a radon test if you have recently renovated your home or expanded your living area into a lower level such as a basement. These new living areas could have a higher radon level than the rest of your home, and a major renovation project can change your home’s radon levels by creating new entrances for the gas to seep into your home. You may also want to perform a new radon test during different seasons, as seasonal changes can affect radon levels. Radon testing is both simple and affordable, so it can never hurt to perform a new check for this potentially dangerous substance.

I’m buying/selling a home. What do I do?

If you are buying a new home in Minnesota, it’s always a good idea to ask for a copy of recent radon test results. Even then, you may want to ask for a new test if the radon testing checklist items were not met, the last test was not performed recently, or you plan to live in a level of the house that is not currently occupied. The same criteria goes for those selling their home: always perform a radon test and review to ensure it was done correctly, take any steps necessary to install a radon mitigation system if high levels are found, perform a new radon test if you’ve recently completed renovations, and provide your radon test results to the buyer. Review this Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon from the EPA for more information.

How do I know if there’s radon in my area?

No matter where you live in Twin Cities, it’s possible that your home may have high radon levels. Every homeowner should conduct a radon test, regardless of geographic location. While some areas of the country have been shown to have lower radon levels on average than others, it’s important to keep in mind that dangerously high radon levels have been found even in places that are generally considered low risk. No matter your location, radon testing is always a good idea.

Can radon levels vary from house to house in a neighborhood?

Yes. Radon levels vary from home to home, so even if your neighbor’s home tested fine for radon, your home could be completely different. Radon levels depend upon a number of factors that are unique to your specific home, so the only way to know if your health is at risk is by completing a radon test.

How can I trust that the radon test is accurate?

When you’re ready to test your home for radon, you can either order a radon test kit from a qualified radon contractor or laboratory, or you can bring in a professional radon tester to complete a home inspection and select the radon test device that is most suitable to your home. To ensure the accuracy of your radon test, be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the test kit and consult your local radon contractor if you have any questions. Twin Cities Radon Services is your qualified radon contractor in Minnesota with extensive training and experience in setting up radon tests. We can help you select the most up-to-date radon device, recommend which options will work best for your home, and answer any questions you might have about the process and results.

If I have a radon problem, what’s involved in getting rid of the problem?

If a radon test reports a radon measurement at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), contact Twin Cities Radon Services to set up a radon mitigation system that is specifically designed to reduce radon levels to a healthy amount. There are several different methods for radon abatement that will prevent radon gas from entering your home while reducing your current radon levels, and we will help you select the best option for your home’s specific needs.

Take the first step in keeping you and your family healthy and safe! Contact Twin Cities Radon Services today for radon testing or to get an estimate on installing a radon mitigation system in your home. We provide radon services in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville and throughout Minnesota.

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Reduce Your Home's Radon Risk During National Radon Action Month

2016-01-21T00:00:00.05Z

Every year in the United States, more than 21,000 lives are taken by radon-induced lung cancer – a disease that is completely avoidable with the right precautions. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can be found in any property across the country. No matter where you live in Minnesota, it’s crucial to find out if radon is a problem in your home. If testing shows a high radon level, steps should be taken to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named January as National Radon Action Month, urging homeowners to take action now and test for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive and can help prevent unnecessary exposure to the harmful gas.

National Radon Action Month is just one part of the EPA’s larger plan to eliminate radon concerns in Minnesota and all across the country. The National Radon Action Plan, released late last year, is a collaboration among several organizations dedicated to reducing radon risk in 5 million homes and saving 3,200 lives annually by 2020.

Testing for radon and if necessary, reducing high radon levels with radon mitigation should be your top priority during National Radon Action Month, but the EPA also suggests other ways to get involved. You can help spread the word about radon to your friends and neighbors. If you’re planning on selling your home and haven't had the radon level tested, you should take steps to fix the problem now to protect your family and pass on the health benefits to the next homeowner.

Twin Cities Radon Services is proud to support National Radon Action Month by providing homeowners in Twin Cities with effective radon mitigation. Contact us today to schedule a radon test or request a quote to have a new mitigation system installed or to have your current system inspected!

For more information on radon and radon testing, you can see the EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon.

Minnesota Updates Radon Regulations in State Building Code

2015-06-18T00:00:00.05Z

The Minnesota Building Code first layed out specifications on how to construct radon resistant buildings in 2009, and the regulations recent received an update. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the latest updates are in regards to the difference between and active and passive radon mitigation system. Essentially, the difference is that active systems have fans while passive systems do not.

As a certified contractor for the National Radon Defense Network, we have always followed industry standards and best practices. While quality radon contractors everywhere have always relied on these rules for radon mitigation systems, they are now official in Minnesota. The updated regulations are as follows:

First, the fan must suck out from under the house without the potential for leaks into the home. The fan itself and any portions of pipe under positive pressure cannot be located inside the conditioned space of the home.

Second, a monitoring device must be installed to ensure the system is functioning properly. A manometer is a common testing device that consists of a U-shaped tube of colored liquid with a flexible plastic tube running into the vent. When suction moves the liquid, you know the fan is working.

Third, a switch light and outlet must be installed near the radon mitigation system. These ensure that proper lighting and electricity will be available.

While these are not drastic alterations to building code, they are certainly another step in the right direction for radon resistant construction in Minnesota. Call Twin Cities Radon Services at [phone] to request a radon test or to schedule a free in-home consultation for radon mitigation.

How to Lower your Risk of Lung Cancer During Radon Action Month

2015-01-01T00:00:00.05Z

January is National Radon Action Month and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges that all homeowners have their homes tested for radon.

You have likely heard of radon at one time or another, but you may have never thought of it as something you should be concerned about. The EPA has recognized radon exposure as a growing health threat. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon. As the second leading cause of lung cancer, this harmful gas is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.

Radon gas forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes and even through your water supply. Radon is found everywhere in the US, including Minnesota. You can have a radon problem even if your neighbor doesn’t.

Testing is the only way to know if radon is a problem in your home. The best time to test for radon in your home is during the colder months when your windows and doors are shut. If test results show that your home has a high level of radon, the next step is to contact a radon professional to install a radon mitigation system to the level of radon in the air.

Twin Cities Radon Services is trusted by homeowners throughout Twin Cities who are looking for a guaranteed solution to their radon problem. If you are looking for radon testing, or you performed a test that showed unsafe radon levels, we can help. Radon exposure is preventable, but action must be taken. There’s no better time than now to protect your health!

Call us at [phone] today to learn more about our options for radon testing and mitigation.

How to Protect Yourself from Radon Exposure & Radon-Induced Lung Cancer

2014-10-28T00:00:00.05Z

In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, Twin Cities Radon Services is encouraging all Minnesota homeowners to test for radon in their homes.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Lung cancer is often thought of as a self-inflicted disease. This misconception has unfortunately made it one of the most deadly diseases. Lung cancer is also among the causes that receive the least amount of research funding. Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer, and more than 150,000 people die from the disease every year.

How is radon linked to cancer?

Radon is found everywhere, in varying levels. Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that builds up as uranium and other soil particles decay. The gas then seeps into our homes and accumulates in our basements or crawl spaces. This can then travel up into the living space. When the radioactive particles are inhaled, this can damage the lining of the lungs and over time, can result in lung cancer.

Radon is undetectable to our human senses and kills around 20,000 people each year; just 840 less than Leukemia.

The question you are likely asking yourself is: If radon is undetectable, how do I know if I should have my home tested?

The only way to know if radon is present, and putting you and your family at risk, is to have your home tested. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. "Do-it-yourself" radon test kits are available at some home improvement and hardware stores. Some states also provide free or discounted test kits. If you prefer, you can hire a certified radon testing specialist to perform a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) test.

Even if your neighbor doesn’t have a problem with radon in their home, the same may not be true for your house. There are many contributing factors to radon levels: season, soil composition, a home’s tightness of their building envelope, and more. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends maintaining a constant level below 4.0 picocuries per liter. Once you have had a radon test conducted and have received the results, Twin Cities Radon Services can recommend the right radon remediation system to extract the gas from your home, if needed.

As a qualified radon services professional, Twin Cities Radon Services is compliant with all state requirements to provide radon mitigation services. Our coverage area includes Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville and many parts of Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

There is no better time than now to make sure your family is protected from this deadly gas.

There’s No Better Time to Test for Radon

2013-12-18T00:00:00.05Z

Minnesota Residents Urged to Test for Radon During National Radon Action Month

Most of us spend a majority of our time indoors and this is especially true during colder months. With winter comes an increased risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. When a home is sealed up for the winter, elevated radon levels can also become a major problem. Along with inspecting our heating system and installing a CO detector, winter is an ideal time to test for radon. During National Radon Action Month in January, Twin Cities Radon Services is encouraging Twin Cities residents to take action to protect their homes and families.

Elevated radon levels found in 1 out of every 15 homes

Much like carbon monoxide, radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. Elevated levels of radon are found in every state and can be present in every home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 deaths per year. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer cases in the U.S. and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that becomes a hazard when at a high concentration. The EPA has found proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon can have serious health implications, including cancer and death. When radon is trapped inside our home or a building, the gas can reach harmful levels. One out of every 15 homes is estimated to have elevated radon levels. The only way to find out if radon is a problem in your home is by conducting a test.

The cost of radon mitigation is the same as many home repairs

Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores. The EPA suggests having a radon reduction system installed if the test shows a radon level of over 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), however, levels less than 4 pCi/L may still pose a risk. A qualified radon contractor can thoroughly inspect your radon problem and help choose the right solution to effectively reduce radon levels. A radon mitigation system can reduce levels in your home up to 99 percent. If you already have a radon mitigation system installed, they can also provide a radon system inspection.

Twin Cities Radon Services urges Minnesota residents to take action during this year’s National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for radon. The cost of fixing your radon problem is similar to that of many home repairs like painting or installing a new water heater, but the payoff is priceless. Contact Twin Cities Radon Services to schedule a radon test or for more information on radon mitigation in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and surrounding areas.

New Initiative for Healthier Homes and Lower Levels of Radon

2013-02-18T00:00:00.05Z

On February 4th, 2013 a new initiative was introduced that is aimed towards creating healthier homes in the United States. The main objective is to reduce radon gas levels in multifamily housing units. This initiative is named “Advancing Healthy Housing - A Strategy for Action,” and is a product of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Other stakeholders include the EPA, Housing and Urban Development, the Surgeon General and the Deputy Secretary of Energy. This initiative will apply to multifamily developments, particularly ones that are currently receiving HUD financing or refinancing. They will also now require radon testing, plus remediation if the testing shows that high levels of radon are present.

The average person in the U.S. spends nearly 70 percent of their time inside their home. Millions of U.S. homes have serious physical housing problems. Some of these problems include roofing problems, heating issues, plumbing and electrical problems, water leaks and pests, not to mention damaged paint and high radon gas levels. It has been estimated that over 30 million homes and apartments in the U.S. have elevated or dangerous levels of radon, lead and other harmful contaminants.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas, and is a problem that is found all over the U.S. in our everyday resources like water, soil, and air. The bad news is that radon and lead can cause serious health risks. Radon particularly, is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. The gas is comparable to tobacco smoke and has been reported to have caused approximately 20,000 deaths annually. U.S. federal agencies believe that by improving the standards of housing, this can have a significant impact on the health of residents. This initiative from HUD and the EPA can potentially protect millions of residents that currently reside in multifamily housing from exposure to radon gas.

The goal of the federal agencies that developed the plan is to reduce the number of U.S. homes with hazards through the achievement of five specific goals and actions. The first two goals are to establish adoption of federally-recognized criteria for healthy homes. This would call for federal agencies to develop a general consensus on the basic concept of what a healthy home entails. It would include eight qualities a home should possess, such as clean, dry, safe, pest free, and contaminant free. The hope is that there would be an encouragement and adoption of this consensus across federal agencies, as well as state and local governments. The next goal would be to create training development to address the hazards. Experts that could deliver services, such as weatherization, would be included in a plan to connect workers to jobs and leverage existing work force developments in addition to the initiative. Goals four and five would include education for the public about healthy homes and supporting research that would inform and advance healthy housing in an affordable manner. All and all, the “Strategy for Action” initiative seems promising forencouraging federal agencies to take actions that will help reduce the number of U.S. homes with health hazards and dangerous levels of radon.

Twin Cities Radon Services provides radon testing and mitigation to the Greater Minneapolis area of Minnesota. Every homeowner should have their home tested for radon, whether they are living in an older home or a new construction. Protect your family against the health risks associated with this dangerous gas. Contact us for a free radon estimate.

Take Action Against Radon This January

2013-01-18T00:00:00.05Z

Radon is one of the main causes of lung cancer deaths amongst nonsmokers in America today. Radon gas exposure claims the lives of almost 20,000 Americans every year. If you live in an area with radon or already have high radon levels that have detected in your home, there are ways to fix the problem and protect you and your loved ones. The month of January is Radon Action Month and by following the three steps below, you can decrease the exposure of radon and the risk of lung cancer.

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that seeps up from the ground and disperses into the air. Lower levels of radon aren’t a cause for too much concern as everyone breathes in small amounts of radon every day. The serious health risks arise when areas with radon have inadequate ventilation thus increasing the levels and the risk of developing lung cancer.

Testing is the key!

Contact a certified radon inspection specialistto set up the Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM). A radon gasmeasurement specialist will install the CRM. This visit will usually take about five minutes, during which time the specialist makes sure that the CRM is placed in the best location in your home. The specialist will also make sure you're informed of the required house living conditions for accurate testing. The specialist should return after a minimum of 48 hours have passed.During this second meeting, the specialist will connect a thermal printer to the CRM and use it to print your radon testing results right there on the spot. This process generally takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

If radon is detected in your home, you can reduce the radon levels with a radon mitigation system. Radon mitigation systems are usually highly effective in reducing radon levels by as much as 99 percent. Even homeowners who discovered their homes had extraordinarily high levels of radon found that they could actually reduce those levels rather easily. All radon mitigation systems should be installed by a certified technician.

If you already have a radon mitigation system installed and it’s over 5 years old, it is recommended that your system be inspected to ensure you are protected from radon exposure. The EPA actually recommends that all homes with a radon mitigation system be tested every 2 years.

Spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their own homes. Tell your friends and loved ones about the health risks of radon and encourage them to test their homes. Get a group of friends and family together and plan an event in your community to help raise radon awareness. Use the EPA’s National Radon Action Month Event Planning Kit as a guide.

Radon exposure over a period of time has been proven to cause cancer, so it’s best for all homeowners to have their homes tested if you suspect that you live in an area where radon could be present. Radon mitigation isn’t as scary or as difficult to deal with as you may think. The certified radon mitigation specialists at Twin Cities Radon Services will come out and perform a free radon test. If high levels of radon are found, the specialists will work with you to design a radon mitigation system for your home. Give them a call today!

Slashes Slated for U.S. Radon Protection Program

2012-03-09T00:00:00.05Z

Proposed 2012 budget cuts of $2 million to the radon program of the Environmental Protection Agency threaten to drastically reduce the effectiveness and awareness of radon gas safety in our society. Additional budget cuts proposed for fiscal year 2013 would affect the State Indoor Radon Grants program and regional oversight efforts.

Because radon gas is invisible in daily life, heightened education and awareness programs are all the more critical to safe guard the population. Longer term exposure can unknowingly result in severe health problems including cancer. Since the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act passed by the Federal government, progress has been encouraging. Imposing these budget cuts would undermine that progress and the law’s mission.

Groups are rallying their efforts and constituents to reverse the proposed cuts in spending. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) are among them. Contacting Congressional representatives is one of the best ways to express opposition to the cutbacks. Voices must be heard; health and safety risks can be averted.

The National Radon Defense (NRD) is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. All members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. The NRD is the world’s most trusted source in the radon measurement and mitigation services industry.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, Twin Cities Radon Services strictly adheres to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. They are ready to answer any questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on the premises, and provide results and solutions specifically designed for the house. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Twin Cities Radon Services specializes in radon mitigation in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Visit them online to set up a radon mitigation estimate.

Radon Gas Alert for Every Parent of School-age Children - MSNBC Today!

2012-03-05T00:00:00.05Z

Are Your Children at Risk? Watch the Video.

A new investigative report has aired on the MSNBC Today Show sounding the alarm about the occurrence of radioactive radon gas in our nation’s schools, affecting thousands of children. The report identifies a reluctance of many schools to conduct radon gas tests, perhaps fearing the results. But radon gas testing, in schools and homes, saves lives.

Quoted in the report, Bill Fields, highly respected in the radon field, says that exposure to radon gas causes more deaths than any other environmental hazard. He compares it to the proven and documented dangers of smoking.

Lack of money, the report goes on to say, is often cited as one of the reasons school districts don’t test; federal law also does not require them to test for radon gas.

Essential viewing for everyone, this important video presents the facts and dangers of radon gas in schools and homes, and goes in depth about what school districts are doing and not doing, the EPA, and stories of victims.

The National Radon Defense is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. Members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. This network is the nation’s trusted source of radon measurement and mitigation services available.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, we strictly adhere to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. We are ready to answer questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on your premises, provide results, and suggest solutions specifically designed for you. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Twin Cities Radon Services specializes in radon mitigation in MN. Visit us online for a radon mitigation quote.

January is National Radon Month

2012-01-03T00:00:00.05Z

Saint Michael, MN – With radon being one of the leading causes of lung cancer today, it’s vital to bring attention to this often-overlooked danger. January is National Radon Month, making it a good time to purchase a home radon test kit or hire a professional radon mitigation contractor. Twin Cities Radon Services is an expert on radon mitigation and has made a number of recommendations for homeowners during National Radon Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is released from soil. Because it is a radioactive carcinogen gas, it can be dangerous to people if it travels up into their homes. Radon is responsible for 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind smoking). Luckily, there are ways to lessen the amount of radon in a home, thereby preventing the contraction of lung cancer. Radon mitigation is becoming a common service that a number of contractors can provide.

Twin Cities Radon Services is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon this New Year. Because radon gas is colorless and odorless, it is not detected unless a specific test for the gas is performed. It’s important that each homeowner tests their home for radon before it’s too late.

Radon in a building is measured by picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigating any building with a radon measurement at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter. When a building’s radon levels are found to be unhealthy, a radon mitigation system is specially designed to effectively reduce the levels to a healthier amount. Radon abatement methods can keep radon from entering a house, including soil suction, which draw the radon from below the basement or crawl space floor and push it outside. Some other radon mitigation techniques include sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation.

Twin Cities Radon Services is Minnesota’s expert basement waterproofing, crawl space, sump pump installation and foundation repair contractor. Their radon mitigation systems use sub-slab depressurization to reduce radon levels. A PVC pipe collects soil gasses, radon is piped upwards in the building, and then a radon depressurization vent forces radon out of the house.

Twin Cities Radon Services serves Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Carver, Saint Paul, Newport, Scandia and surrounding areas. They have years of experience building and drying basements, and they are members of the Basement Systems international network of basement waterproofing specialists. For more information about this radon mitigation company in Minneapolis or a free estimate contact them today.

It's National Radon Awareness Week!

2011-10-18T00:00:00.05Z

We at Twin Cities Radon Services understand the importance of helping homeowners understand radon, and we hope you’ll join us this week in raising awareness to the effects of radon exposure!

In recognition of the estimated 21,000 victims of the fatal effects of radon exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General have declared this week as National Radon Awareness Week.

Radon testing can be done at home where test results are then sent and diagnosed at a lab. There are short-term and long-term tests available. We also offer radon testing in Minnesota.

Radon is the number one in-home killer in the United States claiming 21,000 lives of unsuspecting homeowners to lung cancer—most of whom have never even smoked. Though unnoticeable to human senses, we perform radon testing and mitigation to reduce homes to levels below the action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Read more about National Radon Awareness Week from National Radon Defense.

Getting Rid of Radon

2011-09-23T00:00:00.05Z

Finding radon in your home can be a nerve-wracking thing. It’s dangerous, sometimes deadly, and can sneak into your home without your knowledge. Radon mitigation contractors can help rid your home of this hazardous gas using a number of different methods, but some can be more effective than others. Do a little research and you’ll learn that reliable radon mitigation in Saint Paul is easy to find.

Radon is a radioactive carcinogen gas that is released from the soil and can travel through homes. Each year, radon is responsible for 20,000 deaths from lung cancer, and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Thus, if you smoke and spend a lot of your time in a building with high radon levels, you place yourself at the highest risk of contracting radon induced lung cancer. Even though the treatment of lung cancer hasn't proven all that effective, the prevention of contracting radon induced lung cancer is quite promising.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigating any building with a radon measurement at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Once a building’s radon levels are measured and found to be unhealthy, a radon mitigation system is specially designed to effectively reduce the levels to a healthier amount. The EPA usually recommends abatement methods that keep radon from entering a house, including soil suction, which draw the radon from below the basement or crawl space floor and push it outside. Some other radon mitigation techniques include sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation.

Start your search for a radon mitigation professional by checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List websites. This is a good way to ensure that the contractor you use is reliable and trustworthy. Research the company online to learn more about them, such as how long they’ve been in business, if they’ve won any awards, and some examples of previous jobs. Also, be sure to check with friends and neighbors to see if they’ve used a radon abatement contractor before, and if they would refer that particular contractor to you.

Before radon mitigation can take place, you first need a professional to perform radon testing to see how much radon is in the house. A Continuous Radon Monitor test for your home is the most precise short-term radon test available today. This test typically takes about 48 hours to provide an accurate reading of radon level. There are do-it-yourself home test kits out there, but if they’re not done correctly they can provide false results. You also have to mail the detector back to the lab and wait for the results when you do it yourself, while a professional can give you results much sooner. And in some cases, if you’re buying or selling a house you need a certified professional to perform a radon testing and mitigation services.

If you’re curious about radon levels in your home, or are looking to buy or sell a home and need a professional radon specialist to perform a radon test, contact your local National Radon Defense contractor. NRD dealers go through extensive training and certification to perform professional radon abatement in St. Paul, MN, and other cities.

Radon Contractors: Finding the best one

2011-09-19T00:00:00.05Z

Finding a reliable and professional radon contractor in Minnesota doesn’t have to be a difficult task. All it takes is some research. Like any other contractor you work with, the professional you choose to hire for radon mitigation in Minneapolis or the surrounding twin cities area should meet a set of standards.

One of the best ways to see if a radon contractor is trustworthy is to research the company itself. How long has the company been around for? Have they won any awards? Do they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List? It’s also beneficial to learn about the owner of the company and research what kind of experience the owner has in the field.

Specialists that performed radon mitigation and radon testing in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas most likely left an impression with the homeowners they served. Either they solved the homeowners’ problems, or they created more problems. Whether the contractor was good or not the homeowners will most likely be willing to refer (or not refer) them. Keep your eyes peeled for reviews on various websites, or talk to neighbors and friends that have used the contractor before.

Be wary of paying a contractor a large amount of money upfront. The only time you should do this is for a special or custom order, and there’s no reason not to use this method when dealing with a radon contractor. Tim Carter of Ask the Builder strongly suggests working out a fair, timely payment plan with your contractor. He also cautions against contractors that may be using your money to pay bills from jobs they finished months ago. Do your research and ask questions before hiring a contractor to ensure that he is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Don’t be afraid to give him an interview beforehand, as he is trying to get a job after all.

Any expert in building, construction, law or any business will tell you that a safe way to handle any agreement is to get everything in writing. Ask the Builder columnist Tim Carter stresses the importance of this and even recommends using email as an easy way to get a written record. Try using email to communicate important points with your radon mitigation specialist, and then save the emails to your hard drive and to a disk and print them out.

There are a number of different methods for radon mitigation in Minneapolis. A good way to see if the radon specialist is a good match for you is to see if the method he plans to use works for your house. The EPA usually recommends methods that keep radon from entering, including soil suction, which draw the radon from below the basement or crawl space floor and push it outside. Some other radon mitigation techniques include sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation.

Not all contractors live up to the negative stereotype of being unreliable and stealing money. If you do some research you will be able to find the right radon specialist to entrust your home to. It may take some time but it will be worth it!

National Radon Defense Presents at International Convention

2011-09-14T00:00:00.05Z

Minneapolis, MN – Curt Drew, president of National Radon Defense, has presented awards and conducted classes at the Team Basement Systems’ International Convention, during the third week of August, 2011.

This year’s convention, an annual event, hosted 600 attendees having traveled across the United States and Canada. The convention also featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development” Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is kills an estimated 21,000 people annually. This deadly gas is virtually undetectable using any human senses, increasing the seriousness of encountering this gas.

Twin Cities Radon Services aims to reduce the effects of radon by offering radon mitigation and radon testing in Minneapolis.

About Twin Cities Radon Services

Twin Cities Radon Services is a member of the National Radon Defense network of radon mitigation experts. As such, they specialize in personalizing a unique radon mitigation system made to meet your home's specifications to obtain lower radon levels within your home.

About Team Basement Systems

Basement Systems, Inc. is an international network of basement, crawl space, and foundation specialists. In recent years, this network has expanded to include other networks such as National Radon Defense, Dr. Energy Saver®, and MoreHouse Finance. The Basement Systems network claims 27 patented products.