Is there a safe level of radon gas?

Radon is a carcinogenic, radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in soil, which means it can be found in any home, no matter the neighborhood. This gas enters buildings through pores in the foundation and construction joints, and any home can have high radon levels, no matter how old. In fact, 1 in 3 homes in Utah have high radon levels, and performing a test is the only way to determine if your home has a dangerously high level.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that any radon exposure can increase your risk of contracting lung cancer. While there is no completely safe level of radon gas, the lower the level, the safer the home.

Once you've tested, how do you know if your home is safe?

Although there is no "safe" level of radon gas, there are action levels set by the EPA and World Health Organization to use as a guideline for when to take action. The EPA recommends that you consider taking action (by having a mitigation system installed) if your home tests at 2.0 pCi/L or higher and definitely take action if your home tests at 4.0 pCi/L or above. However, the WHO states that the risk of contracting lung cancer is greater if your home is above 2.7 pCi/L. Again, the lower the radon gas level is in your home, the safer you are.

The first step to protect your loved ones is to test your home for radon gas. Utah Radon Services offers free radon testing for every Utah home, and the process is simple. Fill out the form on this page or give us a call at 801-871-0715 to request your test today!