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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 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 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.
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. Because you can't see, smell, or taste radon, many people don't realize they're being exposed to it. Understanding the difference between long-term and short-term radon exposure is important for protecting your health and the health of your family.
Short-term radon exposure happens when you breathe in radon gas for a brief period, such as a few days or weeks. This might occur if you visit a building with high radon levels or if radon levels in your home spike temporarily due to weather changes or ventilation issues. While short-term exposure to radon isn't ideal, it's generally less concerning than long-term exposure because your body has less time to absorb the harmful radiation.
Scientists measure radon levels in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action if radon levels in your home are at or above 2.7 pCi/L. However, even short-term exposure to very high levels can be harmful, especially for children and people with existing respiratory conditions.
Long-term radon exposure is much more dangerous. This occurs when you breathe in radon gas over months or years, which is common if you live in a home with elevated radon levels. Over time, the radioactive particles from radon can damage the cells lining your lungs, increasing your risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking.
The risk from long-term exposure depends on two main factors: how much radon is in your home and how long you've been exposed to it. Even moderate radon levels can become dangerous if you're exposed to them for many years. This is why testing your home for radon is so important—it's the only way to know if you and your family are at risk.
The good news is that radon problems can be fixed. If testing shows high radon levels in your home, radon mitigation systems can reduce those levels significantly. These systems work by ventilating radon gas out of your home before it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
Testing is simple and affordable, and it could save your life. We highly recommend getting your home tested by Utah Radon Services. They are experts in radon detection and mitigation, and they can help you understand your test results and take action if needed. Utah Radon Services uses professional-grade equipment and follows EPA guidelines to ensure accurate results.
Don't wait to find out if your home has a radon problem. Whether you're concerned about short-term spikes or long-term exposure, testing is the first step toward protecting your family's health. Contact Utah Radon Services today to schedule a radon test. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and healthy for years to come.
Test for radon when buying a home - When buying a home, there’s an endless list of to-dos. From getting pre-approved for a loan to signing the last document, you might not want to add anything else to your list. However, there’s one step you shouldn’t forget: testing for radon.
Radon is a radioactive gas that rises from the ground in Utah. While it’s not very dangerous in outdoor air, it can cause lung cancer if it gets concentrated inside a home and is breathed in over a prolonged period. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it’s critical that all Utahns test their homes for radon every two years.
Radon is known as “the silent killer” because, unlike carbon monoxide, the symptoms of radon exposure often fly under the radar until a serious disease progresses. Not only is radon a leading cause of lung cancer but exposure has also been linked to childhood leukemia and attention deficit disorders.
Here are 4 great reasons why you should test a potential home for radon before signing the final documents.
Utah Radon Services provides a free radon test to all Utahns! Have you already claimed your free test? No worries—radon tests can be purchased relatively inexpensively at just $10–50, depending on where you order from. Some local health departments may also provide them for free! Plus, a radon test is much less expensive than lung cancer treatment.
Radon can have devastating effects, and many people don’t know they have a radon problem until they receive a stage three or four lung cancer diagnosis. You might as well start the next chapter of your life with peace of mind by knowing you’re moving into a safe environment for you and your loved ones.
You don’t have to back out of a deal just because a home tests high for radon! A radon mitigation system can be installed to lower the radon level in the home to a safer level. Plus, a home with a system may increase the property's desirability as future buyers can move in with peace of mind.
If you test a home before you purchase and it has high radon levels, you might be able to use this as leverage in the home-buying process. While sellers are not legally required to install a radon mitigation system in a home, you can make the purchase contingent upon a clear radon test or request that the cost of the radon mitigation system be deducted from the price of the home.
You have nothing to lose by testing a potential home for radon—and so much to gain. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you purchase a safe home for you and your loved ones.
Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause in smokers, so it’s critical to know how to avoid prolonged exposure to it. You can be exposed to radon in just about every corner of Utah, and we’re here to help you understand common locations where people receive the most exposure.
Homes are the most common place people are exposed to radon because people spend a lot of time there and often have bedrooms on the lowest level. Radon is at its highest concentration on the lowest level of the home, which means those who spend a lot of time on that floor are at greatest risk. Additionally, people don’t always move homes frequently, which prolongs the time someone may be exposed to high radon levels if they don’t proactively test.
Second to homes, people spend a lot of time in the workplace and may breathe in concentrated levels of radon if the building hasn’t been tested and mitigated. Workplaces can often fly under the radar because radon testing is most encouraged in homes. However, you should strongly consider testing your workplace if you are a business owner.
Schools are another location that often fly under the radar for radon exposure. Elementary schools may be particularly insidious locations if they have high radon because children have a higher respiratory rate than adults, which means they may breathe in more radon over time. We encourage all parents to request that their child’s school tests for radon.
Radon is deadly, but a terminal diagnosis can be prevented by proactively testing. The U.S. Surgeon General and leading health organizations recommend testing your home for radon every two years. You can click here to request a free test today.
Did you know the radon levels in your home fluctuate throughout the year? This is why it’s essential to test your home for radon every two years. Keep reading to understand the various reasons for radon level fluctuation so you can keep your loved ones safe and test at the correct times.
When cold winter weather rolls in and snow coats the ground, less radon can escape into the air outside your home, resulting in more radon rising from the ground to the air inside. Additionally, the warm indoor air can create pressure changes that pull more radon out of the soil underneath your home. Combined with more time spent indoors in the winter, this is a recipe for prolonged radon exposure.
Alternatively, when summer rolls around and more radon can escape outside, your home’s radon level may be lower than in winter. However, energy-efficient homes tend to trap more radon inside no matter what time of year because they seal the air inside. Plus, when temperature changes drastically from day to night in the summer, your daily radon level can fluctuate daily.
Finally, natural disasters can change a home's integrity and create more cracks in your home’s foundation. Even small cracks in a foundation can let radon in, and the shifting ground from a disaster like an earthquake can shift the flow of radon and how it escapes.
Similar to earthquakes and natural disasters, remodeling can impact the structure of your home. From drilling to cracks, construction inside your home can change how much radon comes in on a daily and year-to-year basis.
Due to the circumstances above, it’s important to test your home for radon every two years. Even more, you should alternate the season you test in between winter and summer every time you perform a test. If you remodel your home or plan to sell it soon, it can also be a good idea to perform an extra test after the remodel is complete or before you sell it, even if that is sooner than the two-year window.
To request a free radon test, click here.
Radon is a radioactive gas present throughout the state of Utah. 1 in 3 Utah homes has high levels of radon gas, which is particularly dangerous because radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.
We’re here to help you understand the science of radon so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Radon gas is created when uranium in the ground decays. As uranium breaks down, the gas is released, rising into the air outside and inside buildings. While radon is not a major danger in outdoor air, when it concentrates inside, it can cause serious health issues to those exposed.
The age of the home does not determine how much or how little radon enters. The amount of radon that can be trapped inside is determined by the amount of uranium in the ground below the building, which can vary from house to house.
Even though radon is mostly concentrated at the lowest level of a home, it can still be dangerous at all levels because of the rise in gasses. Even if you are on the top floor with the lowest concentration, you’re still being exposed to a dangerous gas that can cause serious health issues. So now that you have learned the science of radon, it is important to protect your family by having your home tested.
It’s important to test your home every two years for radon gas to ensure it is not concentrating at high levels. If your home tests high, you can have a radon mitigation system installed to reduce the amount of radon indoors to a safer level. Radon mitigation systems are a simple and effective way to protect your loved ones (and increase the value of your home!).
Click here to request a free radon test today.
Radon is a radioactive gas created when uranium in the ground decays. Unfortunately, Utah has high levels of uranium, which means there’s an increased risk for radon exposure in the state. This is not a problem to be taken lightly. Although radon doesn’t pose a great threat outdoors, if it gets trapped inside your home and concentrates, it can cause lung cancer. What homes need a radon mitigation system?
There’s a common misunderstanding that only old homes need radon mitigation systems, but it’s not that simple. We’re here to help you understand if your home should have a radon mitigation system installed.
Radon can’t be detected by our senses, and the only way to know if your home has a high radon level is to test for it. All Utah residents can get a free radon test here!
The World Health Organization recommends mitigation at 2.7 pCi/L, and the Environmental Protection Agency recommends considering mitigation at 2.0 pCi/L. If you spend a lot of time on the lowest level of your home, you should be more concerned at lower levels than if you have an empty basement that never gets used. Regardless, one thing is true: No matter how old your home is, it should be mitigated if it has high radon levels.
Radon levels are directly related to the amount of uranium in the soil. Because of this, radon doesn’t discriminate between old and new homes. However, when a home is being built, a radon mitigation system can be installed during the construction process as a proactive measure. This not only keeps your loved ones safe from radon but can be a financially savvy decision, as it can be much less expensive than installing a system after radon has already been concentrated inside.
Radon seeps into buildings through cracks and pores in the home’s foundation. While old homes aren’t always guaranteed to let more radon in, the more they age, experience weather, and have structural changes, the more radon they may let in. No matter how old your home is, you should test it for radon every two years to ensure radon isn’t rising to high levels. One in three homes need a radon mitigation system.
