Update: Health Officials Urge More Schools to Test for Radon

Following recent discussions on radon exposure, a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) highlights that only 39% of Minnesota public schools have tested for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
While schools are not legally required to test for radon, MDH officials strongly encourage testing, noting that funding barriers prevent many districts—especially those serving low-income families—from doing so.
Key Findings from the MDH Report:
📌 16% of tested schools had elevated radon levels in at least one room.
📌 Schools with lower facility funding were less likely to test.
📌 Schools in the metro area, south-central, and southeastern Minnesota tested at higher rates than other regions.
“This new information helps us focus outreach where it’s needed most,” said Dan Tranter, MDH Indoor Air Unit supervisor.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into buildings from Minnesota’s natural soil, entering through cracks and foundations. Schools with high radon levels can reduce exposure by installing ventilation systems to safely remove radon from indoor air.
Resources for Schools & Families
MDH offers training, technical assistance, and reduced-cost testing kits to make radon testing easier for schools. Families concerned about radon exposure in schools should contact their district directly.
🏡 Radon is also a concern at home—40% of Minnesota homes have elevated levels. MDH recommends home testing every five years.