Test kits & gear
The kits Minnesota actually recommends, without the guessing
Everything on this page exists because a Minnesota authority says so: MDH's radon testing guidance, the state statutes that require CO and smoke alarms, and MDH's well water schedule. Each item shows the specification to look for and links to the source, so you can skip an evening of second-guessing and just get the right thing on the way. Test kits also show up at hardware stores and discounted through some county health departments.
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases made through the product links on this page. The links cost you nothing extra, and the state guidance behind each item is cited so you can check it yourself.
Radon testing
MDH recommends every Minnesota home be tested. Start with a short-term test; decisions to mitigate are based on a long-term test or the average of two short-term tests.
Short-term radon test kit (charcoal)
The kit MDH says to start with: a 2-to-7-day charcoal test you place on the lowest lived-in level, then mail to the lab. Lab fee is usually included.
Look for: 2–7 day charcoal test, lab analysis included
Basis: MDH, Radon Testing
View on AmazonLong-term radon test kit (alpha track, 90+ days)
MDH calls a 90-plus-day test the best way to estimate your home's annual average, and it's the recommended follow-up when a first test lands between 2 and 8 pCi/L.
Look for: Alpha-track detector, minimum 90 days, lab analysis included
Basis: MDH, Radon Testing
Find on AmazonContinuous radon monitor
A digital monitor that reads radon around the clock. MDH recommends continuous monitors in real-estate testing, and one is the easiest way to watch a mitigation system keep working.
Look for: Continuous digital readout; look for long-term averaging
Basis: MDH, Radon Testing
Find on AmazonRadon system manometer (U-tube)
If your home already has a mitigation system, this simple U-tube gauge shows whether the fan is still pulling. Replace a cracked or dry one instead of guessing.
Basis: MDH, Radon Mitigation
Find on AmazonAlarms Minnesota law requires
These are not suggestions. State statute requires an approved CO alarm within 10 feet of every sleeping room and a smoke alarm in every dwelling unit.
Carbon monoxide alarm (UL 2034)
Minnesota law requires an approved, operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every room used for sleeping, in every single-family home and apartment. “Approved” means certified to UL 2034.
Look for: UL 2034 certified; plug-in with battery backup or sealed 10-year battery
Basis: Minn. Stat. 299F.51 (CO alarms)
Find on AmazonSmoke alarm (10-year sealed battery)
State statute requires a smoke alarm meeting the State Fire Code in every dwelling unit. Sealed 10-year-battery models end the 2 a.m. chirp-and-disable cycle that kills alarms in practice.
Look for: UL 217 listed; sealed 10-year lithium battery
Basis: Minn. Stat. 299F.362 (smoke alarms)
Find on AmazonCombination smoke + CO alarm
One unit that satisfies both statutes' specs near bedrooms. Handy where outlets and ceiling space are scarce, like hallways outside sleeping rooms.
Look for: UL 217 and UL 2034 listed
Basis: Minn. Stat. 299F.51 (CO alarms)
Find on AmazonHome fire extinguisher (ABC)
On the federal preparedness list Minnesota HSEM points to. A multi-purpose ABC extinguisher covers ordinary combustibles, grease and electrical fires.
Look for: UL rated, class ABC multi-purpose
Basis: MN HSEM weather safety (kit list via Ready.gov)
Find on AmazonWater and lead
If you have a private well, testing is on you: MDH says coliform bacteria and nitrate every year, arsenic, lead, and manganese at least once.
Mail-in well water test (lab analyzed)
For private wells, MDH's schedule is: coliform bacteria and nitrate every year; arsenic, lead, and manganese at least once, and before a baby drinks the water.
Look for: Lab-analyzed (not strips): coliform, nitrate, arsenic, lead, manganese
MDH recommends an accredited laboratory. Check that the kit's lab is accredited before you buy, or use MDH's lab search to order direct from a Minnesota-accredited lab.
Basis: MDH, Well Testing
Find on AmazonLead paint test swabs (EPA-recognized)
Most Minnesota homes built before 1978 have some lead paint. EPA-recognized instant swabs are the screening step before you sand, scrape, or renovate.
Look for: EPA-recognized kit (e.g. 3M LeadCheck)
A swab is a screen, not a risk assessment. If a child in the home has an elevated blood-lead level, MDH's lead program and your county offer proper inspections.
Basis: EPA, Lead (MDH refers pre-1978 homes here)
Find on AmazonBundles
The combinations that save a second order later. MDH's own testing guideline is the reason the first bundle exists: the decision to mitigate is based on a long-term test or the average of two short-term tests, so you might as well have the follow-up kit on the shelf.
Bundle
Radon test-day bundle
MDH bases the mitigation decision on a long-term test or the average of two short-term tests, so buy the follow-up with the first kit and you'll never stall at the retest step. Add the alarms state law requires while the cart is open.
Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher?
A kit can't fix radon; a mitigation system can. Minnesota licenses the professionals who install them. Browse MDH-licensed mitigation pros or run the should-I-test checkup first.