How does radon enter a home?

Since radon is produced from soil, it is present nearly everywhere. Because soil is absorbent, radon gas is able to move up through the dirt and rocks, enters the home and moves freely throughout the indoor air in which we breathe. The further the gas moves through the home, the more diluted Radon will be in the air we breathe. If allowed to accumulate, radon becomes a health concern. The level of radon is often highest in the lowest part of a building.


Two components that affect how much radon will accumulate in a home are pathways and air pressure. These components will differ from home to home.

  1. Pathways are routes the gas uses to enter your home and are found anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil.
  2. Air pressure between your home's interior and the exterior soil is what helps to draw radon gas into the home via pathways.

For more information, contact Public Health at 320-968-5087.

Show All Answers

1. Where is your greatest exposure to radon?
2. How serious a problem is radon in Minnesota?
3. How does radon enter a home?
4. How can I find out if my home has a radon problem?
5. How can I fix my home if it does have elevated levels of radon?
6. How do I choose a radon mitigation contractor? How much will it cost?
7. When building a new home, what can be done to assure reduced radon levels in the future?
8. Where can I purchase a radon kit?