FAQs

Radon is a common naturally-occurring substance that can be found in every state in the nation. The exposure levels differ depending on location but are generally not a health issue outdoors. Over time, inhaling heavy concentrations of radon indoors can increase the risk of lung cancer.

This radioactive gas can seep into buildings through cracks and gaps in the foundation, getting trapped and potentially affecting indoor air quality. Due to the colorless, odorless, and tasteless characteristics of this chemical element, it can be present in heavy concentrations within your home without you knowing it. There is no way to prevent radon, but there are ways to ensure the safety of the air in your home by testing and reducing the presence of this carcinogen.

Radon gas can seep into your home from the soil beneath it through dirt crawlspaces, cracks in the foundation and walls, floor drains, pipes and sump pumps. If you get your drinking water from a well, it can also be a source of radon in your home.

You can purchase an easy-to-use radon test kit for measuring radon in air and water at radon.com where there are user friendly instructions and videos to follow.

You can also contact a certified and insured Authorized Radon Pro , a reliable network of professionals located throughout the US for a free consultation and for service needs.

Radon is a sneaky gas. Just as you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, it also gives you no warning that it is harming your health. Radon causes lung cancer, which often presents no symptoms until it is advanced. The only way to be safe from radon-related lung cancer is to test for radon and have radon mitigation if the level is at or above 4.0 pCi/L for Air and 4,000 pCi/L for Water.

Contact a certified, licensed and insured radon professional for a free consultation to discuss service options. We recommend the Authorized Pro Network who are located throughout the country.

Radon mitigation involves the implementation of measures to reduce elevated levels of radon gas in indoor spaces, particularly homes and buildings. The goal of mitigation is to decrease radon concentrations to levels that are considered acceptable, typically below the recommended reference level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or the equivalent in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) for Air and 4,000 pCi/L for Water.

Like any home servicing needs such as plumbing or electrical, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional. Radon is a radioactive gas. It’s important that you rely on a professional that is licensed, certified, insured and adheres to ANSI-AARST radon industry standards.

Be sure to properly ventilate your indoor space and test for dangerous contaminants such as radon, every two years as conditions can change over time. When in doubt, contact a professional for guidance.

The EPA provides guidance on radon testing and mitigation in homes and buildings through its Radon Program. The agency recommends testing homes for radon and taking action if levels exceed the recommended reference level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or the equivalent in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) for Air and 4,000 pCi/L for Water.

EPA Recommends States Reference ANSI/AARST Radon Standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively participating in the radon industry-led ANSI/AARST voluntary consensus-based standards (VCS) process since 2012. Federal participation in the development and use of VCS is governed by the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (1995), and Circular A-119 (2016, 1998) issued by the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President. For more information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/radon.

World Health Organization (WHO) establishes international guidelines and recommendations for indoor air quality to protect public health. The organization provides guidance on exposure limits for indoor pollutants, such as radon, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological contaminants, to minimize health risks.

Many states and local jurisdictions have regulations and requirements related to radon testing and mitigation in homes and buildings. These regulations may vary depending on geographical factors, such as radon potential and local building codes. Homeowners and building owners should check with their state or local health department or environmental agency for specific requirements and recommendations regarding radon and indoor air quality.

Like any home servicing needs such as plumbing or electrical, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional. Plus, radon is a radioactive gas. It’s important that you rely on a professional that is licensed, certified, insured and adheres to ANSI-AARST radon industry standards.

Time of year – Radon levels usually are highest during the heating season. If you are performing long-term radon testing, choose a time period that will span heating and non-heating seasons.

Test location – The EPA recommends testing for radon in the lowest livable level of your home, where radon levels usually are highest in the home.

Weather patterns – Do not conduct a short-term test during conditions that can influence the test results, such as stormy weather or very high winds.

Test interference – Do not move the test device or open doors and windows during the test, as these actions can result in understated radon levels.

Follow directions – Leave the test in place for the required time period, enter all required information and mail the device to the laboratory immediately after completing the test.

Because radon levels can fluctuate over time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you test your home at least every two years. Also, to test after home renovations as soil conditions can change.

Radon.com offers a lookup tool to Find an Authorized Radon Professional located in your area at https://www.radon.com/findpro/

Even if you have purchased a home with Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), unless you, the builder or a home inspector tested your new home for radon, you cannot be sure there aren’t high levels. Although the name Radon Resistant New Construction implies that the home resists radon, RRNC simply is the installation of radon system pipes without a radon mitigation fan. Without the radon fan, the home is “radon system ready,” but not resistant to radon entry.