How to Detect Radon in Your Home – Don’t Ignore These Signs!

Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Kravelv Spiegel

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible, making it extremely dangerous as homeowners often don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer.

How Does Radon Enter Your Home?

Radon gas forms naturally in the soil as uranium breaks down over time. Since it is odorless and invisible, it can seep into homes undetected, accumulating to dangerous levels. The primary way radon enters a home is through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and floors. Even the smallest openings, such as tiny pores in concrete or spaces around utility pipes, can allow radon to infiltrate.

Homes with basements are especially vulnerable since they are in direct contact with the soil where radon originates. However, radon can also enter homes built on slabs or crawl spaces. Poor ventilation and negative air pressure inside the house can further draw radon inside, allowing it to accumulate in living spaces. Even well-sealed homes can have radon issues if the gas becomes trapped with no way to escape.

Groundwater can also be a source of radon. If your home relies on a private well, radon can dissolve into the water supply and be released into the air during everyday activities like showering, washing dishes, or doing laundry. This means that both the structure of your home and your water supply could contribute to radon exposure.

Since radon levels vary from one home to another, even in the same neighborhood, testing is the only way to determine if your home has a radon problem.

Top Signs Your Home May Have a Radon Problem

1. Frequent Respiratory Issues

If you or your family members frequently experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, radon exposure could be a factor. Over time, inhaling radon damages lung tissue, leading to chronic respiratory problems.

2. Unexplained Headaches and Dizziness

Radon exposure can lead to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and even confusion.

3. Recurring Chest Pain

Persistent chest pain, especially when not linked to any heart condition, could be a warning sign. Radon exposure has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, which can manifest as discomfort or pain in the chest.

4. Worsening Allergy Symptoms

If allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion seem worse at home than outside, radon could be affecting the air quality in your house.

5. High Radon Levels in Your Area

Check local radon maps or government health reports. If radon is a known issue in your region, your home may be at risk.

6. Radon Testing Shows Elevated Levels

The only surefire way to know if you have a radon problem is by testing your home. Radon test kits are available for home use, or you can hire a professional to conduct the test.

7. Increased Incidence of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

If people in your household are diagnosed with lung cancer despite never smoking, radon exposure could be a possible cause.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

• Short-term radon test kits – These provide quick results but may not be as accurate over time.
• Long-term radon test kits – Left in place for 90+ days, these provide a more accurate reading.
• Professional radon testing – Experts use specialized equipment for the most precise measurements.

How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home

If testing confirms high radon levels in your home, there are several steps you can take to lower them and protect your household from exposure.

1. Improve Ventilation – Increasing airflow helps dilute radon concentrations. Opening windows and using fans can help, but it is not a permanent solution. Installing a mechanical ventilation system, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), can improve indoor air circulation while maintaining energy efficiency.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps – Since radon enters through openings in your foundation, sealing cracks in the floors, walls, and around utility pipes can help reduce radon infiltration. Using caulk or expandable foam to seal these gaps is a simple yet effective measure.
3. Install a Radon Mitigation System – For homes with consistently high radon levels, a professional radon mitigation system is the best solution. The most common method is a sub-slab depressurization system, which uses a vent pipe and fan to pull radon from beneath the home and release it safely outside.
4. Improve Crawl Space Ventilation – Homes with crawl spaces should ensure proper ventilation by installing vent fans or using a vapor barrier over the soil. Sealing the crawl space with a plastic sheet and venting it to the outside can significantly reduce radon entry.
5. Test and Maintain Your Well Water – If your home uses well water, consider testing it for radon. If radon levels are high, a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or an aeration system can help remove radon before it enters your indoor air.
6. Regular Testing – Even after taking mitigation steps, it’s essential to test your home regularly to ensure radon levels remain low. Long-term testing is recommended to track fluctuations over different seasons.

By taking proactive measures, homeowners can effectively reduce radon levels and create a safer living environment for their families.

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

FAQs

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

You should test for radon at least every two years or after making major renovations.

2. Can radon only affect older homes?

No, radon can infiltrate both old and new homes regardless of their construction.

3. Are radon test kits reliable?

Yes, but for the most accurate results, use a long-term test or hire a professional.

4. Does opening windows help reduce radon?

It can temporarily lower levels, but it’s not a permanent solution.

5. Can radon affect pets?

Yes, pets can suffer from radon exposure just like humans, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems.

Final words

Radon is a silent but deadly threat that can affect any home. Since it’s impossible to detect without testing, homeowners should take proactive steps to measure and reduce radon levels. If you suspect your home may have a radon problem, act quickly to protect your health and safety.