Radon Testing in Minneapolis–St. Paul
MDH recommends that every Minnesota home be tested for radon. Here's how to do it right in the Twin Cities and what to do with the number you get.
Where to get a kit now
Low-cost kits
The City of Minneapolis has stopped taking requests for free radon kits because of high demand. It points residents to low-cost kits online or at hardware stores. Hennepin County notes Minnesota residents get a discount on Air Chek short-term kits.12
Short-term or long-term?
Start here
Short-term test
Measures radon for 2 to 7 days. MDH says to start with one because it's a quick way to screen a home.3
Best estimate
Long-term test
Runs at least 90 days and is the best way to estimate your yearly average. It should cover part of both the heating and non-heating seasons.3
Hennepin County lists RSSI as a maker of long-term alpha-track kits, alongside Air Chek for short-term kits.2
How to run the test (MDH's rules)
- Timing. Short-term tests work any time of year, but the heating season is best. If the weather is unusually severe, wait.4
- Location. Test the lowest level you regularly use, for example the basement if you're down there more than 10 hours a week. In a home sale, test the lowest level, such as the basement.3
- Height. Hang the kit at least 20 inches off the floor, ideally at breathing level.4
- Closed-house conditions. For any test under 3 months, keep windows and exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and keep the temperature at 65–80°F.4
- Ventilation. Set heat- or energy-recovery ventilators to their lowest setting, skip the fireplace unless it's your main heat, and go easy on the dryer and exhaust fans.4
- Paperwork. Check the kit's expiration date and fill out its information before you start.3
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MDH uses a two-step decision guide.5
| First short-term result | Next step |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 pCi/L | Retest every 2 to 5 years |
| 2 to 8 pCi/L | Do a second test, short- or long-term |
| 8 pCi/L or higher | Do another short-term test |
| Second result | Action |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 pCi/L | Retest every 2 to 5 years |
| 2 to 4 pCi/L | Consider mitigation |
| 4 pCi/L or higher | Mitigation recommended |
MDH says the decision to mitigate should rest on a long-term test or the average of two short-term tests.5
What the levels mean for health
| Lifetime average level | Never smoked | Smokers |
|---|---|---|
| 20 pCi/L | 36 | 260 |
| 10 pCi/L | 18 | 150 |
| 4 pCi/L (EPA action level) | 7 | 62 |
| 2 pCi/L | 4 | 32 |
Estimated lifetime lung cancer deaths from radon, per 1,000 people. "Smokers" means people who currently smoke. Source: MDH.6
Testing during a Twin Cities home sale
MDH recommends hiring a radon measurement professional when you need an unbiased third party, such as in a real estate transaction.3 For the mitigation decision in a sale, MDH says to rely on a continuous monitor test or the average of two short-term tests done side by side.5 Sellers must disclose known radon test results under the Minnesota Radon Awareness Act, but the law doesn't require a test.78
Common questions
Can I still get a free radon test kit in Minneapolis?
Not from the city right now. The City of Minneapolis says it is no longer taking requests for free kits because of high demand, and points residents to low-cost kits online or at hardware stores.
What's the best time of year to test for radon in Minnesota?
MDH says short-term tests can be done any time of year, but the heating season is the best time.
Where in the house should I put the test kit?
On the lowest level you regularly use, for example the basement if you spend more than 10 hours a week there, at least 20 inches off the floor.
My first test was 5 pCi/L. Should I install a system now?
MDH says to do a second test first, either short- or long-term, when the first result is between 2 and 8 pCi/L. Mitigation is recommended if the second result or the average is 4 or higher.
Who should test the house during a sale?
MDH recommends hiring a radon measurement professional when an unbiased third party is needed, such as in a real estate transaction.
How often should I retest?
If your result is under 2 pCi/L, MDH says to retest every 2 to 5 years.
General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, medical or legal advice. A licensed professional who inspects your home can tell you what it needs.
Sources
- City of Minneapolis, "Radon" (updated Aug. 26, 2026)
- Hennepin County, "Radon testing"
- MDH, "Radon Testing"
- MDH, "Radon: Keeping you safe from radon" (PDF)
- MDH, "A brief guide on how to keep your home safe from radon" (PDF)
- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), "Radon in Homes"
- Minnesota Statutes § 144.496 (Minnesota Radon Awareness Act)
- MDH, "Radon in Real Estate"