Minnesota Department of Health: Protecting, maintaining improving the health of all Minnesotans. MDH Logo
MDH HomeMain CategoriesAbout UsLibraryNorthstar
Radon
 •  Radon in Homes
Radon Testing
 •  Testing Results
Contractors/Mitigation Providers
Do-it-Yourself Mitigation Training
 •  Radon & Real Estate
• 
Radon Resistant New Construction Gold Standard
Resources for Mitigators
 •  State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG)
Air Quality
 •  Home 
 •  Links
 •  Contact us

 •  Environmental Health Home
 •  Topic Index
 •  Emerging Issues
 •  EH Contacts
Spacer Image.

Radon Contractors/ Mitigation Service Providers

What to Look for in a Radon Mitigation Contractor

Minnesota does not require radon mitigation contractors to be licensed, nor is there any oversight of mitigation work performed. Some things you should consider when looking for a contractor to mitigate your home are listed below.

  • Will the contractor guarantee that radon levels will be brought to below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended action level of 4.0 picoCuries per liter?
  • How will the system be evaluated?
  • Will the contractor perform diagnostics to determine suction point location and pipe and fan size?
  • What will the contractor do if post mitigation radon levels are not below the EPA's recommended action level?
  • Can the contractor provide a list of references?
  • Is the quoted price guaranteed?
  • Is a contract provided?
    Will the contractor offer the homeowner training in radon mitigation system operation/troubleshooting?
  • Is there a warranty on materials/workmanship?
  • Who is responsible for obtaining permits, if required?
  • Who will do the licensed electrical work?

Go to > top

What to Look for in a Quality Radon Mitigation System

Even though all Minnesota listed contractors have gone through the appropriate training, are a member of a national certification program and also report their work to the state, not all systems are created equal. Here are some key features to look for:

  • The fan SHALL be located outside of the living space. This means in the attic of the house or garage, or outside on the side of the house; never in the living area itself.
  • If the exhaust point is through the roof, with the fan located in the attic, the exhaust needs to end a minimum of 12 inches above the roof.
  • If the exhaust point is on the side of the house, it needs to meet the following criteria:
    • be above the eave of the roof,
    • be 10 feet or more above ground level,
    • be 10 feet or more from any window, door, or other opening into conditioned spaces of the structure that is less than two feet below the exhaust point,
    • be 10 feet or more from any opening into an adjacent building.
  • Any pipe runs through unconditioned spaces (attics or garages for example) should be insulated to minimize condensation.
  • The vent pipe shall be supported every 6 feet on horizontal runs and every 8 feet vertically.
  • The vent pipe shall be supported or secured permanently to avoid falling into the suction pit.
  • Any horizontal runs of pipe shall be sloped slightly back to the suction pit to ensure rain and condensation can flow back to the pit.
  • Any visible cracks or holes in the foundation should be permanently sealed. This will allow the system to be more effective and efficient.
  • The system shall have a performance indicator that is visible and easy to read.
  • The system shall be labeled with the date of installation, contractors name, and initial pressure reading in the pipe.

Go to > top

Radon Contractor Certification

Minnesota does not require radon mitigation contractors to obtain certification or licensure. Although it is not required, a voluntary certification does indicate that the individual has received radon mitigation training and has taken continuing radon education. Both the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) have voluntary certification programs for radon mitigation contractors. For more information regarding the requirements of these certifications, information regarding a specific listed contractor, or an updated list of certified professionals, please contact NEHA or NRSB directly.

National Environmental Health Association
National Radon Safety Board

Go to > top

Minnesota Radon Mitigation Service Providers

A new requirement to state listing is the voluntary reporting of radon mitigation work to MDH. To be listed, MDH requires quarterly reports be submitted on a timely basis. These reports allow MDH to better determine the amount of risk reduction achieved by tracking the amount of mitigations being performed throughout the state.

This list includes individuals who provide radon mitigation services within Minnesota, have current contact information, are currently certified as a radon mitigation professional by NEHA or NRSB and have reported their work to MDH at least once during the past two quarters from the date of this publication.

For information on radon training courses in and around Minnesota, contact the Midwest Universities Radon Consortium (MURC) at 1-800-843-8636 or (612) 624-6251.

Go to > top



For questions about this page or indoor air quality, please contact the Indoor Air Unit at health.indoorair@state.mn.us, 651-201-4601 or 800-798-9050.

Spotlight

Email questions or concerns in regards to mitigators.

 

Spacer Image.
 


Link to Adobe Acrobat Reader To view the PDF files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download from Adobe's Web site).

 

MDH HOME | ABOUT US | LIBRARY | NORTH STAR

MAIN CATEGORIES: Health Data & Statistics | Diseases & Conditions | Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery | Facilities & Professions | Health Care & Coverage | People & Environment | Policy, Economics & Legislation

Comments and Questions | Phone Number, Address and Directions | Privacy Statement and Disclaimer

Updated Tuesday, 20-Oct-2009 11:23:56 CDT