One of the most common questions homeowners ask is simply: what is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. As uranium decays, radon gas is released and can move upward through the ground, entering homes and buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation.
Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it cannot be detected by human senses. The only way to know whether elevated radon levels are present is through professional testing.
Where Does Radon Come From?
Radon is produced naturally as uranium breaks down in the earth. Once released, the gas can migrate through:
- Soil
- Gravel
- Rock formations
- Well water (in some areas)
As pressure differences develop between the soil and a building, radon can be drawn inside and accumulate to elevated concentrations.
How Does Radon Enter a Home?
Radon commonly enters through:
- Cracks in concrete slabs
- Basement floor cracks
- Foundation wall cracks
- Construction joints
- Gaps around plumbing penetrations
- Crawl spaces
- Sump pits
- Utility openings
- Well water (less common)
Any building in contact with the ground has the potential for radon entry.
Can New Homes Have Radon?
Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions is that only older homes have radon. In reality, both new and old homes can have elevated radon levels.
The age of the home does not determine whether radon is present. Factors such as soil composition, geology, foundation construction, and ventilation all influence indoor radon concentrations. Even neighboring homes can have significantly different radon levels.
Why Is Radon a Concern?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after cigarette smoking, and the leading cause among people who do not smoke.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon concentrations increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Because radon cannot be seen or smelled, many people are unaware they have elevated levels until testing is performed.
Should Every Home Be Tested?
The EPA recommends that every home be tested for radon, regardless of age or location. Testing is especially recommended when:
- Buying a home
- Selling a home
- Finishing a basement
- Remodeling lower levels
- Occupying a home that has never been tested
- Installing a radon mitigation system
- Periodically verifying that an existing mitigation system is functioning properly
Since radon levels can vary from one home to another, testing each individual property is the only reliable way to determine whether elevated concentrations are present.
How Is Radon Tested?
Professional radon testing is performed by placing a radon detector in the lowest livable area of the home. The detector measures the concentration of radon gas over a specified testing period.
Short-Term Testing
Typically performed over 2 to 7 days, short-term testing is commonly used during real estate transactions, initial screenings, and home inspections.
Long-Term Testing
Long-term testing generally lasts 90 days or longer and provides a more representative average radon level because it accounts for seasonal variations.
What Is the EPA Action Level?
The EPA recommends that homeowners consider taking corrective action when indoor radon levels are 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Lower levels still carry risk
Even levels below the EPA guideline carry some risk, and some homeowners choose to reduce lower concentrations as well. A qualified radon professional can help interpret test results and discuss available options.
How Is Radon Reduced?
If elevated radon levels are identified, a radon mitigation system can often reduce indoor concentrations. A typical mitigation system may include:
- PVC vent piping
- An in-line radon fan
- Sealing accessible foundation openings
- Venting radon gas safely above the roofline
The design of a mitigation system depends on the building's construction and foundation type. After installation, follow-up testing is recommended to verify the system's effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I smell radon?
- No. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
- Does every home have radon?
- Small amounts of radon are present outdoors everywhere. However, indoor concentrations vary from one building to another. Some homes have very low levels, while others may have elevated concentrations requiring mitigation.
- Should I test if my neighbor's house was fine?
- Yes. Radon levels can vary significantly between neighboring homes due to differences in soil conditions, foundation construction, and ventilation. Every home should be tested individually.
- Does opening windows solve the problem?
- Opening windows may temporarily reduce radon levels while they remain open, but it is not a permanent solution. If elevated radon levels are confirmed, a properly designed mitigation system is generally the most effective long-term approach.
How Axis Remedial Sciences Can Help
Axis Remedial Sciences provides professional radon testing, radon mitigation consulting, environmental inspections, and indoor air quality services for residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, and government facilities.
- Radon Testing
- Radon Mitigation Consulting
- Post-Mitigation Verification Testing
- Indoor Air Quality Assessments
- Environmental Consulting
If your home or building has never been tested for radon, now is the time. Contact Axis Remedial Sciences today to schedule a professional radon test and take the first step toward protecting your home, family, or facility.
Serving Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.