Radon Detector Program

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. As part of a partnership with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and UND Communication Department, digital radon detector kits are available to check out from Grand Forks Public Library. These kits include a digital radon detector and information about radon mitigation.

To borrow a radon kit, simply search “radon” in our online catalog or stop by the library to check one out.

Learn more about the partnership and the story about the program.

Radon Kit

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium and radium in rocks and soil. Radon enters homes through cracks in the foundation and can accumulate in cold weather when homes are tightly sealed. Because radon is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if your home has high radon levels is through a radon test.

Is radon dangerous?

Yes. It causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Learn more about UND’s ROAR (Radon Outreach and Research) Program. 

North Dakota Radon Levels

North Dakota has radon levels that are among the highest in the U.S. Two of every three homes in North Dakota exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended level for radon. Learn more.

How to use the digital radon detector:

  1. Make sure that batteries are in the detector.
  2. If batteries are operative, the screen will be active. Reset the detector by pressing the Reset button on the back of the detector with a pen or paper clip. 
  3. Place the detector in the lowest level in your home where you and your family spend time. 
  4. Leave the detector there for at least several days.
  5. Read the radon level on the screen. Two levels will be shown. The top level, “Long Term Average” is the more important one. If the level is 4 pCi/L or greater, refer to the remediation portion in the infographic included in the detector bag. 
  6. Return the detector and all components to the library. The best time to test is during the winter months when all windows and doors are tightly shut. Testing in the summer may underestimate the radon in the home.