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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.
