Radon Gas in Homes: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Radon gas is one of the most common—and least understood—indoor air quality issues affecting homes today. Many homeowners are unaware that radon can build up indoors without any visible signs, making radon testing the only way to know if your home is affected.
Understanding what radon is, how it enters a home, and why it matters can help you make informed decisions to protect your family’s health.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms underground when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. As radon gas moves up through the ground, it can enter homes and buildings built above it.
Radon is:
Colorless
Odorless
Tasteless
Because radon cannot be detected by human senses, professional radon testing is essential for homeowners.
How Does Radon Get Into a House?
Radon enters homes from the soil beneath the foundation. Changes in air pressure—especially during colder months—can draw radon gas inside through even the smallest openings.
Common radon entry points include:
Cracks in basement floors or foundations
Sump pits and crawl spaces
Floor drains
Gaps around plumbing or utility penetrations
Both older homes and new construction homes can have elevated radon levels. In some cases, energy-efficient homes may actually trap radon more easily because they are sealed tightly.
Why Is Radon Dangerous to Your Health?
When radon gas is inhaled, it breaks down into radioactive particles that can lodge in the lungs. Over time, these particles can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Radon exposure is:
The second leading cause of lung cancer overall
The leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
Health risk increases with:
Higher radon concentrations
Longer exposure time
Smoking (radon and smoking together greatly increase risk)
Radon does not cause immediate symptoms, which is why testing before problems develop is so important.
Is Radon Common in Residential Homes?
Yes—radon is extremely common.
Radon has been found in homes across all 50 states, including Illinois and the Chicagoland area. Two neighboring homes can have very different radon levels, even if they were built at the same time by the same builder.
Because radon comes from the ground beneath each individual structure:
You cannot rely on a neighbor’s radon test
You cannot rely on previous test results
Every home should be tested individually
Understanding Radon Test Results (pCi/L Explained)
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
0.0 pCi/L is the only completely safe radon level
Any level above 0 carries some degree of risk
Health risk increases as radon levels and exposure time increase
The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. This is not a “safe vs. unsafe” cutoff—it is the level at which mitigation has been proven to significantly reduce long-term health risk.
Even radon levels between 2.0 and 3.9 pCi/L may warrant discussion with a radon professional, especially for long-term occupancy.
How to Test Your Home for Radon
The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through radon testing.
Radon testing is:
Simple and non-invasive
Affordable
Safe for occupants
Professional radon testing often uses continuous radon monitors, which track radon levels over time and account for daily fluctuations, providing accurate and reliable results.
When Should Homeowners Test for Radon?
Homes should be tested:
Before buying or selling
Every few years, even if previous results were low
After major renovations or foundation work
After HVAC system changes
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Radon Testing
Radon levels are often higher during winter months because:
Homes are sealed tighter
Windows and doors remain closed
Heating systems change indoor air pressure
Winter testing helps capture worst-case radon conditions, making it one of the most reliable times to test.
What If Radon Levels Are High?
The good news is that radon problems can be fixed.
Radon Mitigation Systems
Professional radon mitigation systems:
Vent radon gas safely above the roofline
Can reduce radon levels by up to 99%
Typically install in one day
Operate quietly and continuously
Once installed, mitigation systems provide long-term indoor air quality protection.
The Bottom Line on Radon for Homeowners
Radon is a hidden indoor air quality risk—but it is manageable.
Radon is common
Radon is invisible
Radon testing provides answers
You can’t see radon. You can’t smell radon. But testing your home gives you real information—and real peace of mind.
Testing your home for radon is a simple step that helps protect your family’s long-term health.
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