Menu
Radon Testing in Provo - Provo is known for mountain views, busy neighborhoods, and outdoor adventures. Yet one threat to family health can hide inside the home. Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. Testing for it is a simple step that helps Provo families protect the air they breathe.
Radon forms when uranium naturally breaks down in soil and rock. The gas can move through the ground and enter homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Once inside, it can collect, especially in lower areas with limited airflow.
For families along the Wasatch Front, radon deserves attention. However, a neighborhood’s location or a home’s appearance cannot tell you its radon level. New houses, older homes, and homes without basements can all have elevated levels. Even neighboring houses may have different results. Testing your own home is the only reliable way to know.
Breathing radon over many years increases the risk of lung cancer. As radon breaks down, it releases radioactive particles that can damage lung tissue when inhaled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
This is not a problem you can detect by noticing an unusual smell or waiting for symptoms. A home can feel comfortable and still contain elevated radon. That is why testing should be part of regular home safety, just like checking smoke alarms.
A home radon test is straightforward. Short-term kits collect information over several days, depending on the product. Place the kit in the location listed in the instructions, usually on the lowest level suitable for living. Follow directions about keeping windows closed and limiting outside airflow.
When testing ends, return the kit promptly for lab analysis. The results show the amount of radon in your air, measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Radon levels change with weather, seasons, and household conditions, so follow-up testing may be needed.
The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels of 2 pCi/L or higher. Results below that level do not mean there is no risk. A qualified professional can help explain your results and recommend next steps.
Radon Testing in Provo - For Provo homeowners, I recommend requesting a free radon test from Utah Radon Services. The company offers one free kit per household, with instructions, a prepaid return envelope, lab analysis, and results sent by email. Request yours through the Utah Radon Services website.
If your results are high, do not panic. A radon mitigation system can reduce indoor levels by drawing gas from beneath the home and venting it outdoors. Work with a qualified installer and test again afterward to confirm the system works.
Protecting your family does not have to begin with a major project. It can start with one small test. For households in Provo and across the Wasatch Front, learning your radon level is a practical investment in a healthier home.
Ogden's Older Homes & Radon - Ogden’s older homes offer character, history, and a strong connection to the city’s past. But as homeowners prepare for colder weather, there is an invisible health risk worth checking: radon. Before sealing windows and spending more time indoors, make radon testing part of your winter checklist.
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It can move from the ground into a home through foundation cracks, construction joints, and gaps around pipes. You cannot see, smell, or taste it.
Over time, breathing radon can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level.
An older Ogden home may have foundation cracks, a basement, or a crawl space that creates pathways for soil gases. Years of settling, repairs, and remodeling can also change how air moves through the building.
However, age alone does not determine radon risk. A drafty historic home can have high levels, and so can a tightly sealed new house. Even neighboring homes can have different results. A home’s appearance, maintenance history, or location cannot replace an actual radon test.
If you use your basement as a bedroom, office, or family room, testing is especially important because you may spend many hours close to where radon enters.
When temperatures drop, windows usually stay closed and fresh outdoor air moves through the house less often. Warm air rising and escaping through upper floors can also draw soil gases into lower levels. These conditions can allow radon to build up indoors.
Testing before winter gives you time to understand your results and address a problem before your family spends more time inside. Still, radon levels change with weather and seasons, so one short test is only a snapshot.
Start with a radon test and follow the kit’s directions carefully. Place it on the recommended lowest level, away from drafts, moisture, and areas where it might be disturbed. Follow all instructions about keeping windows closed and returning the test promptly.
The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels at or above 2 picocuries per liter, written as pCi/L. If your result is elevated, follow recommended confirmation testing and speak with a qualified radon professional.
Radon mitigation often uses a pipe and fan to pull gas from beneath the home and vent it outdoors. Sealing cracks alone is not a reliable solution. Test again after installation to confirm the system works.
Ogden's Older Homes & Radon - Ogden homeowners can request a free radon test kit from Utah Radon Services at utahradonservices.com/radon-test. The company provides instructions, a prepaid return envelope for lab analysis, and emailed results.
Protecting an older home means caring for more than its roof and furnace. This fall, check the air your family breathes, too.
Radon is an invisible gas that can be found in homes across Utah, including Salt Lake City. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it. That’s why radon testing matters—even if your home is brand new.
Radon forms naturally in the ground when certain rocks and soil break down over time. In Utah, the geology in many areas can produce higher radon levels. Radon gas can move up through the soil and enter a home through small cracks and gaps in the foundation. It can also come in through openings around pipes, sump pumps, floor drains, crawl spaces, and even construction joints in concrete.
Once radon gets inside, it can build up—especially during colder months when windows and doors stay closed and the home is sealed up.
Radon is a health risk because it can damage your lungs when you breathe it in over long periods of time. The main concern is lung cancer. Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer for non-smokers, and it increases the risk even more for people who do smoke. The risk isn’t based on how “nice” or “new” your home is. It’s based on the radon level in the air you breathe.
Yes. New homes can still have high radon levels. In fact, some newer homes may trap radon more easily because modern construction often focuses on energy efficiency. Better insulation and tighter sealing can reduce fresh air exchange, which may allow radon to build up indoors.
Also, two houses next to each other can have very different radon readings. Radon depends on soil conditions, the home’s foundation type, and how air moves through the building. That’s why testing is important for every home—old or new.
Testing isn’t a “one and done” thing. Radon levels can change over time due to:
A good rule is to test regularly, especially if it has been a couple of years, if you’ve remodeled, or if you’re buying or selling a home.
Radon testing is quick and affordable, and it can give you peace of mind. If a test shows high radon levels, there are proven solutions to reduce it—often by installing a radon mitigation system that safely vents radon out of the home.
If you live in Salt Lake City or nearby areas, a smart next step is to schedule free radon testing on a regular basis through Utah Radon Services. Regular testing helps you catch changes early and makes it easier to keep your indoor air safer year-round.
Radon is a gas you can’t see or smell, but it can still be dangerous. It forms naturally in the ground when rocks and soil break down small amounts of uranium. From there, radon can move up through the soil and slip into homes through tiny cracks and openings in the foundation. Any home can have radon, even newer homes and homes that look well built.
The reason radon matters is simple: breathing in radon over time can increase the risk of lung cancer. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer for people who do not smoke. The risk goes up the higher the radon level is and the longer a person is exposed. Because you can’t detect radon without a test, many families don’t realize there is a problem until they measure it.
Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level. A radon test is usually small and easy to use. You place it in a low level of your home (like a basement), leave it for a certain amount of time, and then send it in or read the results depending on the type. If the results come back high, a radon professional can install a mitigation system, which helps pull radon from under the home and vent it safely outside.
Even if you tested your home in the past, it’s smart to retest every two years. Radon levels can change over time. For example, the soil under your home can shift and crack. Weather patterns and moisture levels can change how gases move through the ground. You might remodel your basement, seal or open areas, or add new heating and cooling equipment that changes airflow inside the house. Even small changes in ventilation can affect radon readings.
Retesting every two years is like checking the smoke alarms or getting a regular checkup. It helps you catch problems early. It is also a good idea to test sooner than two years if you move into a new home, finish a basement, do major foundation work, or notice changes such as new cracks or water issues in the basement.
If your test shows a radon level at or above the recommended action level (often 2.0 pCi/L in the U.S.), don’t panic. Radon problems can usually be fixed. A mitigation system is a proven solution and can often lower radon levels quickly.
To get started, consider contacting Utah Radon Services and ask about a free radon test. A free test makes it easy to find out where you stand and decide what to do next. Retesting every two years is a simple habit that can help protect your home and your family’s health.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. But it can still get into your home through tiny cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, crawl spaces, and sump pumps. Once radon is inside, it can build up—especially in basements and ground-level rooms.
Radon is a serious health risk. Breathing it over time can damage lung tissue and raise the chance of lung cancer. The risk is higher the longer you are exposed and the higher the radon level in the home.
Parents of younger children often pay close attention to hidden risks in the home, like lead paint, choking hazards, and unsafe sleep spaces. Radon deserves the same attention.
Young children breathe faster than adults, which can increase how much air (and anything in it) they take into their lungs. Kids also spend a lot of time at home—playing on floors, napping, and growing. Because radon risk adds up over years, taking action early can help protect a child’s long-term health.
Moms with younger kids are often especially responsive when they learn about radon, because it’s a risk you can’t detect without testing. The good news is that radon is also a problem you can measure and fix.
Many people assume their home is safe because it looks clean or because their neighbors haven’t mentioned radon. But radon levels can vary from house to house, even on the same street. Newer homes can have radon too, since the gas comes from the ground beneath the building.
Testing is simple and affordable—and in Utah, it can even be free. Utah Radon Services offers free home testing kits, making it easier for families to check their indoor air.
Radon levels can change over time. Remodeling, changes in how you heat or ventilate your home, foundation settling, weather patterns, and even how often you open windows can affect readings. That’s why families should test on a regular basis, not just when buying a home.
A good habit is to test:
If a test shows elevated radon, don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are common and effective. They vent radon from beneath the home to the outside, lowering indoor levels. After mitigation, test again to confirm the reduction.
Radon is a quiet risk, but testing is a powerful solution. By testing your home regularly—and taking advantage of free testing through Utah Radon Services—you can make sure the place where your family sleeps, plays, and grows is as safe as possible.
Radon is a radioactive gas you can’t see, smell, or taste. It forms naturally in soil and rock, then moves up through the ground and can collect inside buildings. When you breathe in radon over time, it can damage your lungs. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and it can affect anyone—especially people who spend a lot of time indoors.
Utah County has a serious radon problem. Alpha Energy Laboratories reports that Utah County averages 4.7 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). That is one of the highest county averages in Utah, and it affects nearly half of all homes tested. In other words, if you live in Utah County, there is a real chance your home could have elevated radon—even if your home looks clean, new, and well built.
Radon levels can vary from one neighborhood to the next, and even from one house to the house next door. But cities across the county, including Provo, Orem, Spanish Fork, and Payson, regularly test above the World Health Organization (WHO) mitigation threshold of 2.7 pCi/L. Because radon comes from the ground, the only way to know your home’s level is to test.
The WHO recommends fixing (mitigating) a home when radon levels reach 2.7 pCi/L. Compare that to Utah County’s average of 4.7 pCi/L. That means the average Utah County home is nearly double the WHO’s recommended action level.
This matters because radon exposure is usually unknowingly happening. You can live in a home for years without realizing radon is building up in the basement or ground floor. Over time, breathing radon increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk is higher for people who smoke, but radon is still dangerous for non-smokers.
Radon enters through cracks and openings in the lowest parts of a building. Common entry points include:
Homes in Utah County often have basements, which can make it easier for radon to collect in lower levels if there is not enough ventilation.
Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive, and it is the first step to protecting your household. If your test result is high, mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by venting gas safely outside.
Take action now: get a free radon test and find out your home’s radon level. It only takes a short time to set up, and the results can give you peace of mind—or a clear reason to fix the problem before it harms your health.
Radon risk in Centerville & Davis County - Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that comes from uranium in rock and soil. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, crawl spaces, and gaps around pipes. Because you can’t see or smell it, the only way to know your level is to test. This matters because radon is a leading cause of lung cancer for people who don’t smoke, and it can also increase risk for people who do.
Davis County has a serious radon problem compared with many other parts of Utah. According to Alpha Energy Laboratories — the most comprehensive Utah radon dataset in history — Davis County ranks 9th highest in Utah with an average radon level of 4.1 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). That number is important because it reflects typical results from many homes, not just a few unusual cases.
Several cities in Davis County, including Centerville, Bountiful, and Layton, consistently test above the World Health Organization (WHO) mitigation threshold of 2.7 pCi/L. In other words, it’s common for homes in these cities to measure radon levels where action is recommended.
The WHO recommends mitigation when radon levels reach 2.7 pCi/L. At 4.1 pCi/L, the average Davis County home is well above this threshold — meaning many residents are unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels every day. Even if your home is “only a little above” the threshold, radon risk adds up over time because people spend so many hours indoors, especially during winter.
Radon comes from the ground, so any home that touches soil can be affected. Basements and crawl spaces are common entry points. But even homes without basements can have radon problems. Pressure differences between the air inside the house and the air in the soil can pull radon inside, and once it’s indoors, it can build up if the home is tightly sealed.
1. Test your home.
2. If results are at or above 2.7 pCi/L, consider mitigation.
3. Retest after changes.
Radon risk in Centerville & Davis County - Because Davis County’s average level is 4.1 pCi/L and cities like Centerville often test above 2.7 pCi/L, testing is a smart step for nearly every household. Radon is easy to ignore, but it is also one of the easiest home health risks to measure and reduce. A simple test can help you protect your home and your long-term health. Order a free test today.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. You can’t see radon, smell it, or taste it, but it can build up in homes—especially in basements and ground-level rooms. Radon is important to take seriously because breathing high levels over time can increase the risk of lung cancer. The good news is that testing is simple, and if levels are high, radon can usually be reduced.
Radon test results are usually reported in pCi/L, which stands for picocuries per liter of air. The higher the number, the more radon is in the air you breathe.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses 4.0 pCi/L as an “action level.” That doesn’t mean 3.9 is “safe” and 4.1 is “dangerous.” It means that radon risk increases as numbers rise, and 4.0 is the point where fixing the problem is strongly recommended.
Here’s a helpful way to think about results:
Radon levels change day to day due to weather, ventilation, and how a home is used. That’s why it matters what kind of test you took:
If your radon level is high, don’t panic. Radon problems are common, and proven solutions exist. The most common fix is a radon mitigation system, which usually uses a fan and pipe to pull radon from under the home and vent it safely outside. After installation, a follow-up test is important to confirm the level dropped.
If you have questions about your results or what steps to take next, consider contacting Utah Radon Services to talk through radon in your home, retesting options, and mitigation solutions.
Why to test for radon in summer months - Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from uranium in soil and rock. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. It can move up through the ground and get into homes through small cracks in a basement floor, crawl space, or slab. If radon builds up indoors, breathing it over many years can raise the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General says radon is a leading cause of lung cancer for people who do not smoke. The good news is that testing is simple, and fixing high radon levels is possible.
Some people think radon is only a winter problem because homes are closed up when it is cold. Winter can be a high-radon season, but summer can also create radon problems. That is why it is smart to test in the summer months, especially if you have never tested before or if it has been a few years.
One reason to test in summer is the “stack effect” can still pull radon into your home. Even when it is warm outside, cool air in a basement can create a pressure difference. Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure. If the lower part of your home has lower pressure than the soil, your home can pull radon in through gaps and openings.
Another summer issue is air conditioning. When the AC is running, windows and doors stay closed for long periods. That can reduce fresh-air exchange and allow radon to build up indoors. Ceiling fans and whole-house fans can also change air pressure patterns in a home. Depending on how your home is sealed and ventilated, these changes can increase radon entry.
Summer storms and watering can matter too. Heavy rain, irrigation, and changes in soil moisture can affect how soil gases move. In some cases, water can temporarily block normal air pathways in the soil and push more soil gas, including radon, toward the home. Ground conditions change during the year, so a test in summer gives you helpful information you cannot get from winter-only testing.
Summer is also a practical time to test. Many families are home more in the evenings, kids may be out of school, and schedules can be more flexible. If your test shows a high radon level, summer gives you time to plan the next steps before colder weather arrives.
How do you test? You can use a short-term test (usually 2 to 7 days) or a long-term test (90 days to a year). Short-term tests are great for quick answers. Long-term tests give a better picture of your average radon level over time. Place the test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, such as a basement family room or main-floor living area if there is no basement. Follow the kit instructions closely.
If your results are 2.0 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon. Testing is the only way to know your radon level. Since the cost to get tested is free, it’s a simple decision to make to protect your family’s health. If you have not tested yet, summer is a great time to do it. Get a free radon test and keep your family safe.
