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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.
