Radon is a radioactive gas you can’t see, smell, or taste—but it’s a leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Found in every state and homes of all ages, radon poses a serious health risk. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or property manager, understanding radon is essential.
This guide explains what radon is, how it enters your home, how to test for it, what levels are considered safe, and what steps to take if levels are high, helping you protect yourself and others from this invisible but dangerous threat.
What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?
What Is Radon?
Radon is a natural gas from decaying uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter buildings through cracks and accumulate indoors.
Where Is Radon Found?
Radon is found all over the world, but certain places have more of it because of the type of ground in those areas. It’s most common in basements but can be found throughout a home.
Why Is It Harmful?
Breathing in radon harms lung tissue and increases cancer risk. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., with smokers facing even higher risk.
What Are Acceptable Radon Levels?
- EPA Guidelines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the radon action level at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. If your radon test reveals levels at or above this threshold, immediate remediation is recommended.
- International and State-Level Recommendations
Radon standards differ by region. The WHO advises action at 2.7 pCi/L. Check with local authorities for specific guidelines to ensure indoor air safety.
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
Why Radon Testing Is Essential
Since radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only way to detect its presence. Homes with no radon mitigation system are especially vulnerable, and even properties in low-risk areas can have dangerous levels.
When to Test
- When buying or selling a home
- After major renovations
- Every 2 years, as part of regular home maintenance
- After installing a mitigation system
Types of Radon Tests
Short-Term Tests
- Duration: 2 to 90 days
- Ideal for: Quick checks (especially in real estate transactions)
- Devices: Charcoal canisters, electret ion detectors
- Placement: In the lowest livable area of the home, away from drafts and high-traffic areas
Long-Term Tests
- Duration: More than 90 days
- Ideal for: Understanding seasonal variations and long-term exposure
- Devices: Alpha track detectors
Continuous Radon Monitors
- Provide real-time, ongoing measurements.
- Often used by professionals but is available for consumer use.
- Great for long-term homeowners who want continuous tracking
Steps to Take When Radon Levels Are Elevated
Confirming Results
If a short-term test shows high radon levels, follow up with a second test—preferably a long-term one—to confirm accuracy before beginning mitigation.
Mitigation Options
- Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)
This is the most common and effective method. A pipe is installed through the foundation slab, and a fan pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it outside.
- Crawl Space Ventilation
Homes with crawl spaces may use mechanical ventilation systems to reduce radon accumulation.
- Sealing Cracks and Openings
While sealing is a helpful supplementary method, it’s rarely enough on its own to reduce radon significantly.
- House Pressurization
This method involves using a fan to introduce air into the home, creating pressure that helps block radon from seeping inside. It’s complex and not widely used without professional consultation.
Best Practices for Radon Mitigation
- Hire Certified Professionals: Always work with certified mitigation contractors who follow EPA or state protocols.
- Use the Right System: Choose a system based on your home’s structure (slab, crawl space, or basement).
- Improve Ventilation: Increase airflow, especially in the lower levels of the house.
- Maintain the System: Regularly check fans, pipes, and alarms, if included.
- Re-Test After Mitigation: Always confirm the system is working effectively by conducting follow-up testing.
Why Ongoing Monitoring Matters
Even after installing a mitigation system, radon levels can change due to:
- Shifts in soil moisture or temperature
- Changes in ventilation patterns
- Home remodeling or HVAC upgrades
Radon and Real Estate
For Buyers
Request a radon test during the inspection period. If testing shows high radon levels, you should ask the seller to fix the problem before you finalize the purchase.
For Sellers
Consider preemptive testing and mitigation. Buyers may find a home with an active radon mitigation system more attractive, as it indicates proactive maintenance and improved indoor safety.
Disclosure Laws
Certain states mandate that sellers disclose any known radon levels or the property’s radon mitigation history. Failing to do so may result in legal complications during or after a sale.
Radon in New Homes
- Why New Homes Aren’t Immune
Modern, energy-efficient homes are often tightly sealed, which can trap radon and cause higher indoor concentrations.
- Building with Radon Resistance
Contractors in radon-prone areas often install passive radon systems, which can be upgraded to active systems (with fans) if needed.
- Post-Construction Testing
Even if builders install radon control systems in a new home, it’s important to test the radon levels again after construction to ensure they remain safe.
Conclusion: Protect Your Health and Property
Understanding and managing radon isn’t optional—it’s essential. Testing your home, reducing radon levels when necessary, and monitoring them over time can safeguard your family’s health and boost your property’s value.
Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or builder, taking radon seriously is a step toward a healthier, safer environment. Reach out to Des Moines Radon for reliable radon testing and mitigation solutions.
FAQs
1. What is a dangerous radon level?
Mitigation is recommended for radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, though concentrations between 2 and 4 pCi/L can still pose health risks and shouldn’t be ignored.
2. How long does radon testing take?
Short-term tests take 2 to 7 days, while long-term tests require 90 days or more.
3. Can I mitigate radon without professional help?
DIY kits can test for radon, but professional mitigation is usually necessary for reliable, lasting results.