National Radon Action Month: Have You Tested Your Home?

Every January, a focused campaign across the United States shines a spotlight on an invisible, dangerous threat lurking in millions of homes. Known as National Radon Action Month, this initiative is designed to encourage homeowners to test their homes and take proactive steps against radon. Radon exposure poses serious health risks, as it’s a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. However, you can prevent radon damage with proper testing and mitigation.

That brings us to one very important question for homeowners everywhere—have you tested your home for radon recently? Whether you’ve never considered it or have thought about testing but delayed taking action, you’ll soon understand why testing your home is important. From explaining what radon is to outlining the steps for mitigation, we’ve got everything you need in this post to protect your household.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, or water breaks down. While radioactive materials are typically discussed in the context of labs and power plants, radon is actually all around us—completely invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Outdoors, it harmlessly disperses into the air. However, when it’s indoors, radon can build up to dangerous levels without anyone noticing.

Radon enters homes in a variety of ways, mostly driven by pressure differences between the home and the ground below. The gas seeps in through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, gaps around pipes, floor drains, and even certain building materials.

The trouble is, any type of home—new or old, large or small, with or without a basement—can have radon issues. That’s why exposure poses such widespread health risks. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that radon causes nearly 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in America.

While smokers exposed to radon are at a higher risk of contracting lung cancer, radon can also raise the risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Prolonged exposure to high indoor radon levels can significantly increase your risk of developing lung cancer, and the effects can take decades to manifest. With such a silent threat, the importance of testing your home becomes crystal clear.

What Is National Radon Action Month?

The EPA established National Radon Action Month to address the lack of awareness about radon and to promote widespread testing among homeowners. The campaign is held in January because it’s typically the time when homes are sealed tightly against cold weather, which can result in higher radon levels. That’s why January serves as the perfect reminder for residents to assess their homes for radon.

The primary goal of National Radon Action Month is twofold. First, it aims to educate people about radon and its health implications. Second, it encourages homeowners to test their homes and, if necessary, seek mitigation solutions. By turning January into a month of awareness and action, the campaign has made significant strides in protecting families and reducing radon-related lung cancer cases.

Homeowners who act during National Radon Action Month benefit from heightened resources and may find discounts on radon testing kits or promotions on professional testing services. It’s a win-win opportunity to address risks and save some money—a solid incentive to seize the month and prioritize testing.

The Process of Testing Your Home

Testing for radon is easier than many would expect, and there are multiple methods available depending on your needs and budget.

The most common approach is using DIY radon test kits, which can be found online or in local hardware stores. These kits include straightforward instructions, typically requiring the user to place the test in a designated area (such as the basement) for a set period.

Once the test is complete, you mail its contents to a lab for analysis. DIY tests are inexpensive and practical, which is why they’re a great first step for homeowners. However, since they only provide a snapshot of the radon levels in your home, these tests may not give you the full picture of your home’s radon exposure.

For those seeking a more advanced option, continuous radon monitors offer real-time measurements. These monitors allow homeowners to track changes in radon levels over time. Digital devices are particularly helpful for assessing seasonal fluctuations.

Lastly, there’s the option of hiring professional radon inspectors, who bring specialized expertise and equipment to your home. Professionals conduct thorough, accurate tests and provide actionable advice on next steps if high radon levels are detected. While this method comes at a higher cost, the peace of mind it delivers is unmatched.

The EPA recommends testing your home every two years, particularly if you’ve never done so before. Testing is also recommended after major home renovations or if you’re preparing to buy or sell a property.

Interpreting Your Radon Test Results

Once your radon test results come in, the first thing to establish is whether your home’s radon levels fall below, meet, or exceed the EPA’s threshold, which is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA strongly recommends you take action if your home has a reading that’s at or above 4 pCi/L.

If your results indicate low levels—congratulations! However, don’t assume it will stay that way forever. Radon levels can fluctuate over time. Consider repeating the test every two years to keep radon at a safe level.

For homes with moderate or high radon levels, you must act swiftly. Thankfully, radon mitigation techniques are highly effective, and there are professionals ready to assist you.

Mitigating Radon Levels

If a radon test confirms the presence of high radon levels, don’t panic. There’s a range of mitigation solutions to reduce the radon levels in your home.

The most common radon mitigation technique is the active soil depressurization (ASD) system, which works by venting radon from beneath your home before it can enter living spaces. This is achieved by installing a vent pipe system and a fan that draws radon gas outside. ASD systems are effective, durable, and bring down radon levels significantly.

Another method involves sealing cracks and openings in your home’s foundation to limit radon entry points. While not a standalone solution, sealing gaps is often complementary to ASD systems and can improve outcomes.

Professional radon mitigation contractors can be helpful, as they have the knowledge to tailor solutions to your home’s structure and radon levels. Investing in this expertise protects your household and increases peace of mind. However, if you’re a confident DIYer, you can find radon mitigation kits and supplies that will help you do the work yourself.

Take Action This National Radon Action Month

National Radon Action Month is a call to action for homeowners everywhere to test their homes. Radon is a preventable health risk, and testing your home is a simple step toward elevating the safety of your family.

Have you tested your home yet? If not, there’s no better time than now to start. Order a test kit and monitor your levels today. Feel free to contact our professionals to get the job done.