Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- The recent cold snap here in the Northland has many people hibernating in their homes to stay warm, but health experts warn that radon levels soar during the winter months.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 35 to 40 percent of homes in the state have high radon levels, making the odorless and colorless gas the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
During these colder months, the air pressure inside your home is typically lower than the surrounding air and soil, causing a vacuum that pulls soil gases, such as radon, into your home.
Health experts urge that testing is the best way to protect your family.
"It is preventable," says Tom Standke of the Minnesota Health Department. "You can remove it from your home. I had it done to my own home. It took less than a day and it's something you do not have to live you, but you have to test because otherwise you just won't know."
Homeowners can purchase radon test kits from the Department of Health.
Here in the Northland, you can purchase your radon test kit from these locations:
Carlton County Public Health & Human Services
14 N 11st St
Cloquet, MN 55720
Phone: 218-879-4511
Cass County Health & Human Services
400 Michigan Ave
PO Box 40
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: 218-547-1340
Cook County Environmental Health
411 West 2nd Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: 218-387-3632
Itasca County Health and Human Services
1209 SE 2nd Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-327-2941
St. Louis County - American Lung Association
424 W Superior St
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-726-4721
Other Locations:
12 E 6th St - Phone: 218-727-5372
2304 W Superior St - Phone: 218-336-1038
2524 Maple Grove Rd - Phone: 218-722-0071
4415 E Superior St - Phone: 218-525-3638
420 E 1st St - Phone: 218-786-3581
Posted to the web by Krista Burns
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