What is Radon, and Do you Need Radon Testing?

When it comes to protecting your home and family, there’s one invisible threat you shouldn’t ignore: radon.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Because you can’t see or smell it, radon can quietly accumulate in your home without you knowing.

Exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA.

Do I Need Radon Testing?

The short answer: yes — every home should be tested. Radon can be found in any home, regardless of:

• Age: New or existing homes

• Construction type: Slab, basement, crawlspace, or full foundation

• Location: Even homes in the same neighborhood can have drastically different radon levels

Radon testing is the only way to know if your home is safe. It’s easy, affordable, and non-invasive, and if high levels are found, mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon exposure.

Why Are Radon Levels Higher in Winter?

During the colder months, homes are often sealed tightly to conserve heat. This reduces airflow and ventilation, allowing radon gas to accumulate indoors. That’s why winter is a prime time for radon testing — it often shows the highest potential exposure.

Signs Your Home Might Be at Risk

There aren’t visible signs of radon, which is why testing is essential. However, homes with:

• Basements or crawlspaces

• Poor ventilation

• Close proximity to soil or rock with uranium deposits may be more likely to experience higher radon levels.

  
  

How Radon Testing Works

A professional home inspection company can:

• Place a short-term or long-term radon detector in your home

• Measure the radon concentration in picocuries per liter (pCi/L)

• Provide a clear report and recommend mitigation if levels are above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L

  
  

Take Action to Protect Your Home

Radon testing isn’t just for home buyers or sellers — it’s for anyone who wants a safe living environment. If high radon levels are found, mitigation systems can be installed to effectively reduce the gas, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

Don’t wait. Your home could have elevated radon levels right now. Schedule a radon test today and take the first step toward a safer home.