Minnesota has consistently high radon levels, with the Minnesota Department of Health estimating that approximately 2 in 5 Minnesota homes (40%) have radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L. Minnesota’s geology — including granitic bedrock, glacial outwash, and uranium-bearing formations — produces elevated radon potential across much of the state. The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act, enacted in 2014, established specific disclosure and awareness requirements.
EPA Radon Zone Designation
Minnesota is predominantly EPA Radon Zone 1. Most Minnesota counties are Zone 1. The highest-radon areas are concentrated in the Iron Range of northeastern Minnesota (where uranium-bearing rock is prevalent), the granite regions of central Minnesota, and the glaciated plains of western Minnesota. The Twin Cities metropolitan area has significant radon risk, particularly in older housing stock.
Radon Contractor Licensing in Minnesota
Minnesota requires radon contractors to hold current NRPP or NRSB certification AND a Minnesota-specific radon contractor license issued by the Minnesota Department of Health. Minnesota’s radon contractor licensing program is among the more comprehensive in the Midwest. Licensed contractors must pass examinations, carry insurance, and complete continuing education. The MDH maintains a searchable database of licensed radon contractors. Since 2014, hiring an unlicensed radon contractor in Minnesota is a violation of the Minnesota Radon Awareness Act.
Radon Disclosure Requirements in Minnesota
The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144.4961) enacted in 2014 established specific radon disclosure requirements for real estate transactions. Key provisions: sellers must disclose to buyers whether the home has been tested for radon and provide any test results; sellers must provide the Minnesota Department of Health radon disclosure form; any mitigation system must be disclosed. Minnesota also requires that the EPA radon pamphlet or equivalent MDH materials be provided to buyers. These requirements apply to single-family homes and condominiums.
Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC) in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a statewide mandate requiring RRNC for all new construction, but the MDH strongly recommends RRNC. Some Minnesota municipalities — particularly in the Twin Cities metro area — have incorporated RRNC requirements locally. Minnesota’s building code includes provisions that enable RRNC adoption. Given Minnesota’s high radon prevalence, the MDH recommends all new residential construction in Zone 1 areas include RRNC features per AARST-ANSI RRNC-2022.
Highest-Radon Counties and Areas in Minnesota
Minnesota’s highest-radon areas include the Iron Range counties of northeastern Minnesota (St. Louis, Lake, Cook counties), granite bedrock areas in central Minnesota (Morrison, Todd, Otter Tail counties), and western Minnesota counties in the glaciated plains. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area spans multiple high-radon counties including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, and Scott. The MDH publishes county-level radon data based on testing results reported to the state.
Testing Resources for Minnesota Residents
The Minnesota Department of Health administers the state radon program and provides resources for homeowners including lists of certified contractors, low-cost or free test kit programs (availability varies by year and funding), and technical guidance on radon mitigation. Contact the state radon program directly for the most current contractor list, any available test kit distribution programs, and jurisdiction-specific requirements that may have changed since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minnesota have a radon disclosure law?
Yes. The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act (2014) requires sellers to disclose known radon test results and provide MDH radon disclosure materials to buyers in real estate transactions. Mitigation systems must also be disclosed.
Does Minnesota require radon contractor licensing?
Yes. Minnesota requires both NRPP or NRSB national certification AND a Minnesota-specific radon contractor license. Verify license status through the Minnesota Department of Health before hiring any contractor.
What is the radon level in Minnesota homes?
The Minnesota Department of Health estimates approximately 40% of Minnesota homes — roughly 2 in 5 — have radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L. Minnesota’s average is among the highest in the nation, making testing essential for all Minnesota homes.
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