Date Published: 05/21/2007 [Source]
Rick Rein didn't know a thing about radon when he bought his new home in Rochester in 2003. Then he had his house tested for it and came away with a nasty surprise.
The radioactive gas existed in his home at elevated levels, higher than recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, increasing his risk for lung cancer.
Rein is almost certainly not alone. More than half the homes tested in Olmsted County for radon since 1992 have shown levels above the recommended amount, county officials say.