North Dakota lawmakers push for radon disclosure to protect homebuyers from health risks

Radon exposure emerged as a critical health concern during the recent Senate Industry and Business meeting in North Dakota, highlighting the state's alarming radon levels and the urgent need for legislative action. With North Dakota reportedly having some of the highest residential radon levels in the nation, experts emphasized the gas's significant links to lung cancer and potential asthma cases in children.

The average radon level in homes across the state is approximately 8 picocuries per liter, far exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended mitigation level of 4 picocuries. In Grand Forks, home to the state's medical school, the average level skyrockets to 11.7 picocuries, over nine times the national average. Alarmingly, some homes in North Dakota have recorded levels exceeding 200 picocuries, equating to the health risk of smoking 40 cigarettes a day.

Despite these dangers, North Dakota currently lacks mandatory radon disclosure laws for home sales, a stark contrast to 43 other states that have implemented such measures. This gap in legislation leaves prospective homebuyers unaware of the risks associated with radon exposure, as the gas is colorless, odorless, and invisible.

Senate Bill 2204 aims to address this issue by requiring sellers to disclose known radon levels, thereby raising awareness and encouraging testing. Advocates argue that this legislation is crucial for protecting public health, as many individuals only learn about radon after a lung cancer diagnosis. By promoting awareness and testing, the bill could potentially save lives and mitigate the health risks associated with radon exposure in North Dakota.