Stearns County Offering Free Radon Test Kits to Residents

ST. CLOUD - Stearns County Environmental Services and Stearns County Public Health will be giving away free radon testing kits to Central Minnesota residents later this month.

Radon occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and is an odorless, colorless and tasteless radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon can enter homes through cracks and openings in basement or foundation floors and walls.

The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that one in three Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a large health risk over many years of exposure.

Stearns County and the Minnesota Department of Health recommend that all homes in Minnesota be tested for radon since it's the only way to know if there's an elevated level.

The kits are ONLY available in person on the dates stated below… calling ahead will not do anything for them.  They are only available on a first come basis in person on the dates we listed.  Again, calling ahead will not help them in any way. If they want to call AFTER the start of the handing out dates, you are welcome to do that to see if they have any left.

Kits will be available in Melrose on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on February 20th. Kits at the Service Center in Waite Park  will be available on the 21st. Limited kits are available on a first come basis.