Testing Homes for Contaminants

Testing for contaminants in the home may be useful to help identify and evaluate potential hazards, such as lead, radon, asbestos, and other contaminants. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) does not routinely test homes for contaminants; however, we do provide information about testing, and we are available to the public, upon request, to help interpret test results.

Testing may be costly or relatively inexpensive depending on the contaminants, type of test, and the number of samples required. Before testing, it may be useful to ask some questions, such as:

• What contaminants do I want to measure?
• Is there a reliable and accurate test available?
• Can I collect a sample myself or do I need to hire a consultant/professional?
• How many samples are needed? How much does testing each sample cost?
• Will testing provide information that is useful to identify, evaluate, or mitigate the hazard?
• What is the recommended technique or method for collecting the sample? Analyzing the sample in the laboratory?

For more information or questions about testing, see the links below or contact the Program Contacts: Environmental Health Division.

• Guidelines for Selecting an Indoor Air Quality Consultant
• Asbestos
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning in Your Home
• Formaldehyde in Your Home
• Testing for Mold
• Lead Paint Testing
• Radon Testing
• Drinking Water
  • Water Quality/Well Testing/Well Disinfection
  • Basics of Monitoring and Testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota