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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 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 colorless, odorless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. While radon is invisible and has no smell, it is extremely dangerous. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking. Understanding how radon affects smokers differently than non-smokers is important for protecting your health.
When radon gas breaks down, it releases tiny radioactive particles. When you breathe in these particles, they can get trapped in your lungs. Over time, these particles damage the cells lining your lungs, which can lead to lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
Both smokers and non-smokers are at risk from radon exposure, but smokers face a dramatically higher danger. Smoking already damages your lungs and weakens your body's natural defenses against cancer. When you combine smoking with radon exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer multiplies significantly.
According to health experts, smokers exposed to high levels of radon are about 10 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to non-smokers with the same radon exposure. This is because tobacco smoke and radon particles work together to attack lung tissue from different angles. The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the lungs, making it easier for radon's radioactive particles to cause serious damage.
While smokers face the highest risk, non-smokers should not ignore radon dangers. Radon is responsible for approximately 2,900 lung cancer deaths among people who have never smoked. Non-smokers exposed to high radon levels still have a significant chance of developing lung cancer, especially if the exposure continues over many years.
Since radon cannot be seen or smelled, the only way to know if your home has dangerous radon levels is to test for it. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of whether anyone in the household smokes. Radon levels can vary greatly from one house to another, even in the same neighborhood.
The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and can even be free. Utah Radon Services offers free radon testing to help families discover if their homes have unsafe radon levels. If high levels are found, radon mitigation systems can reduce radon to safe levels, protecting you and your family from this silent threat.
Whether you smoke or not, protecting yourself from radon exposure is essential. Get your home tested today and take control of your family's health and safety.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down over time. Because you can't see, smell, or taste radon, many people don't realize it's present in their homes. However, radon exposure is a serious health concern that everyone should understand.
Radon gas can seep into buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. It can also enter through gaps around pipes, construction joints, and even well water. Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to dangerous levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 1 in 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.
The biggest health risk from radon exposure is lung cancer. When you breathe in radon gas, radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs. Over time, these particles release energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking. In fact, the EPA estimates that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
What makes radon particularly dangerous is that it takes years of exposure before health problems appear. You won't feel sick right away, which is why many people underestimate the risk. The longer you're exposed to high radon levels, the greater your chance of developing lung cancer. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have an even higher risk.
Anyone can be affected by radon exposure, but certain factors increase your risk. People who spend a lot of time in lower levels of their homes, like basements, face higher exposure. Children may be more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. Additionally, if you live in an area with naturally high uranium levels in the soil, your home is more likely to have radon problems.
The good news is that radon problems can be fixed. The first step is testing your home to see if radon levels are high. The EPA recommends taking action if radon levels are at or above 2.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and the World Health Organization recommends mitigation at 2.7 and above. Testing is simple and affordable, and it's the only way to know if your home has a radon problem.
If testing reveals high radon levels, you'll need a radon mitigation system installed. These systems work by reducing radon concentration in your home, typically by venting the gas outside before it can enter your living spaces. Professional installation ensures the system works effectively and keeps your family safe.
If you're concerned about radon in your home, Utah Radon Services can help. They specialize in radon testing and can accurately measure radon levels in your home. If elevated radon is detected, their experienced team can install a high-quality radon mitigation system tailored to your home's specific needs. Protecting your family from radon exposure starts with knowing whether you have a problem, and Utah Radon Services makes the process easy and reliable.
