Why You Should Care About Radon

Protect Your Family, Your Home, and Your Health with Certified Testing from Quality Environmental Testing Inc.

If you've never heard about the dangers of radon gas, you're not alone. At Quality Environmental Testing Inc., we regularly meet Illinois homeowners who are unfamiliar with radon's serious health risks—until they're suddenly faced with the issue during a real estate transaction.

Unfortunately, radon testing is still not common practice unless required for a sale. Many homes in Illinois have never been tested, especially if they were built or purchased before radon inspections became a more standard part of the home-buying process.

Why Haven’t More People Heard of It?

Public education around radon is limited. The federal radon awareness program is under funded, and few state-level campaigns exist. As a result, many homeowners are surprised—and sometimes frustrated—when they’re told they need to install a mitigation system just to complete a home sale.

At Quality Environmental Testing Inc., we’re committed to filling that knowledge gap and helping families stay safe with certified, professional radon testing. Even if you’re not selling your home, knowing your radon levels is critical.

Here’s Why You Should Care About Radon:

1. Radon Is a Proven Cause of Lung Cancer

Radon is a Class A carcinogen—a known cancer-causing substance. It occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, sump pumps, crawlspaces, and other ground-level openings.

Once inside, radon breaks down into radioactive particles that attach to airborne dust and moisture. Inhaling these particles over time can damage lung tissue, increasing your risk of cancer.

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind smoking.

• Among non-smokers, radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer.

• For smokers, radon exposure multiplies the risk significantly.

This risk affects anyone, regardless of health history, age, or lifestyle. Testing your home is a simple, cost-effective step toward protecting your health.

2. Your Pets Are at Risk, Too

Your pets are just as vulnerable to radon—if not more so. Dogs, cats, and other animals often spend more time in the lowest parts of the house, like basements, where radon levels are typically highest.

Pets also breathe more rapidly than humans, which means they can inhale greater quantities of contaminated air in less time. Sadly, we’ve heard of cases where pets developed lung cancer likely due to radon exposure.

Testing your home not only protects your family—it protects your four-legged family members, too.

3. Basement Bedrooms and Workout Areas Increase Exposure

If you have a bedroom or gym in your basement, your exposure risk is significantly higher. You or your loved ones may be breathing elevated radon levels for 6–10 hours per night while sleeping. During workouts, your breathing rate increases—meaning you're pulling more potentially contaminated air deep into your lungs.

Activities like yoga, stretching, and bodyweight exercises keep you close to the ground, where radon concentration is strongest. If you use your basement for daily living or physical activity, testing becomes even more important.

4. Radon Can Reach the Main and Upper Floors of Your Home

A common myth we hear is, “I don’t need to test—my basement is unfinished and barely used.”

While it’s true that radon tends to enter from the lowest levels, it doesn’t stay confined. In homes with elevated radon concentrations, the gas can rise into living spaces on the main floor and even upper levels through staircases, vents, ductwork, and other openings.

We’ve tested many homes where radon levels were just as high in bedrooms and living rooms as in the basement. That’s why every homeowner should test—no matter the home’s layout or how the space is used.

Why Risk It?

At Quality Environmental Testing Inc., our motto is simple: "Why Risk It? "Radon testing is fast, affordable, and non-invasive. Our certified professionals use precise electronic monitors that deliver accurate results quickly. If levels are elevated, we’ll walk you through your next steps and recommend trusted mitigation solutions.

Test Today. Breathe Easier Tomorrow.

Whether you're concerned about:

• Your health

• Your family’s safety

• The well-being of your pets

• Or simply want peace of mind

—getting your home tested for radon is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a homeowner in Illinois.

📞 Call or Text Quality Environmental Testing Inc. today 708-243-5945.Don’t leave your safety to chance. Know your levels—protect your home.