Radon 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know for Safety

Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Kravelv Spiegel

Imagine having an invisible, odorless, and tasteless threat inside your home that could harm your family. Scary, right? That’s exactly what radon is. Many homeowners have no idea they’re living with elevated radon levels, which can pose serious health risks. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about radon, from testing to mitigation, so you can keep your home safe.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It rises from the ground and can seep into homes through cracks and gaps, accumulating to dangerous levels indoors.

How Does Radon Enter Homes?

Radon seeps into homes from the ground due to the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Because radon is a gas, it can travel through the smallest openings and accumulate indoors. Here are the primary ways radon enters homes:

Cracks in Foundations and Walls – Tiny fractures in basement floors, walls, or foundations allow radon gas to seep in from the soil. Over time, these cracks may widen, increasing radon infiltration.

Gaps Around Pipes and Utility Openings – Plumbing, electrical, and gas lines require small openings in the foundation, which can act as pathways for radon.

Floor Drains and Sump Pumps – These openings provide direct access to underground soil, making them a common entry point for radon gas.

Construction Joints – Where walls and floors meet, there are often small gaps that radon can penetrate. Even well-sealed joints may allow some gas to pass through.

Well Water – Homes that rely on well water may introduce radon through running taps and showers, as radon can dissolve in water and be released as a gas during use.

Health Risks of Radon Exposure

Radon exposure is a serious health hazard, with long-term consequences that homeowners should not ignore. The most significant risk associated with radon is lung cancer. Here’s how radon impacts health:

• Radon and Lung Cancer – When inhaled, radon decays into radioactive particles that get trapped in the lungs. These particles release radiation, damaging lung tissue and increasing cancer risk.
• Risk Factors – The likelihood of developing lung cancer from radon depends on several factors, including:
  • The level of radon in your home.
  • The duration of exposure.
  • Whether you are a smoker (smoking combined with radon exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk).
• Children and Vulnerable Individuals – Children may be at a higher risk due to their developing lungs and faster breathing rates. People with pre-existing lung conditions may also be more susceptible.

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for about 21,000 deaths annually. Unlike other environmental risks, radon exposure often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Radon Levels: What’s Considered Safe?

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher but suggests action even at lower levels.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

• DIY Test Kits: Affordable and easy to use.
• Professional Testing: More precise but costlier.
• How Often to Test: Every two years, or before buying/selling a home.

Interpreting Your Radon Test Results

If your test shows high radon levels, don’t panic. You can take steps to lower it. Even moderately elevated levels should be addressed to reduce long-term risks.

How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home

• Seal foundation cracks and openings.
• Improve home ventilation.
• Install a radon mitigation system.

Also read: Different Ways on How to Remove Radon from Your Home

Radon Mitigation Systems

These systems work by drawing radon from beneath your home and venting it outside. Costs range from $800 to $2,500, depending on home size and complexity.

Radon and Home Buying/Selling

• Always test before buying a home.
• Sellers should disclose past radon levels.
• Buyers can negotiate mitigation costs.

Radon Regulations and Guidelines

The EPA and WHO set radon safety guidelines. Some states have laws requiring radon testing in real estate transactions.

Radon Myths and Misconceptions

Many homeowners underestimate the dangers of radon due to common myths. Let’s debunk some of these misconceptions:

Myth #1: Radon Is Only a Problem in Certain Regions

While radon levels vary by location, every home is at risk. Even homes in low-risk areas can have high radon levels due to local geology and construction methods.

Myth #2: New Homes Are Safe from Radon

Modern homes can trap radon more effectively than older homes due to improved insulation and airtight construction. Without proper ventilation, radon can accumulate quickly.

Myth #3: If My Neighbor’s Home Tested Low, Mine Is Safe Too

Radon levels can differ significantly between homes, even in the same neighborhood. The only way to know your home’s radon level is through testing.

Myth #4: Radon Testing Is Expensive and Complicated

Homeowners can purchase affordable DIY radon test kits or hire professionals for more accurate results. Testing is simple and essential for safety.

Myth #5: There’s No Way to Fix a Home with High Radon Levels

Radon mitigation systems are highly effective. Ventilation improvements, sealing entry points, and installing a radon mitigation system can drastically reduce radon levels.

Understanding these misconceptions can help homeowners take the necessary steps to protect their families.

Protecting Your Family from Radon

• Test regularly.
• Fix problems immediately.
• Educate your family about radon safety.

Radon FAQs

1. Can radon be completely eliminated from a home?

No, but it can be reduced to safe levels with proper mitigation.

2. Is radon a problem in all states?

Yes, but some areas have higher risks. Check local radon maps.

3. How long does radon mitigation take?

Most systems can be installed in a day.

4. Does radon affect pets?

Yes, pets are also at risk of lung cancer from prolonged exposure.

5. How often should I test my home for radon?

At least every two years, or more often if you’ve made structural changes.

Final words

Radon is a silent danger, but it’s manageable. Testing your home and taking action if needed can protect your family from serious health risks. Don’t ignore radon—take control today.