FAQs

There is no part of the U.S. completely free of the risk of radon gas exposure. Yet there are some states and regions that experience higher rates of exposure than others. Do not rely on radon maps published by anyone other than the EPA. Even the EPA's maps of county-level reports will only tell you the general risk for your area. This is no replacement for testing. Radon levels vary from home to home on the same street due to soil variations, building styles, and structural conditions. 

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States and affects thousands of people every year. One of the significant reasons why radon is so dangerous is because the gas is undetectable to human senses. Radon lacks any odor, color, or scent, so the only method of knowing whether a home has high radon levels is through testing.

Passive radon systems help reduce radon levels in a home, but levels could still be higher than the EPA considers safe. Passive systems have no fan or power source, and if your levels are high, you may need to convert to an active system. Regular testing, at least every two years, can keep your family safe and offer you peace of mind.

Any home has the potential for radon presence, because the soil under the foundation could harbor the dangerous gas.  Pennsylvania has high radon levels. In fact, the average radon level in PA homes is around 7-8 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and the EPA recommends that homeowners take action at 4 pCi/L. The EPA says in 49 of 67 Pennsylvania counties the predicted average indoor radon screening levels exceed federal guidelines. So whether your home is new or has been around for years, a radon test is recommended.

  “Closed-house conditions” means that all doors and windows remain closed except to allow for normal traffic in and out. No fans that bring air into the home should be run during the test period. This type of condition is often recommended if the test will last for less than a week. 

What happens next depends on the results of the test. If your test results were under 4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L), a follow-up test sometime in the future is recommended, since radon levels change over time. If the test results were over 4 pCi/L, proceed with a follow-up test to be sure of the results. An average radon level of 4 pCi/L or higher on the first and second tests indicate a need for remediation, so you can discuss with your specialist what the proper next steps may be and possibly get a recommendation for a qualified mitigation company