July 8, 2025

Signs Your Home May Have Elevated Radon Levels

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, radon can seep into homes unnoticed, posing serious health risks to occupants over time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, making awareness and testing crucial for every homeowner.

Here are key signs and considerations that your home may have elevated radon levels:


1. You Live in a High-Risk Radon Area

While radon is present throughout the United States, certain regions are known to have higher concentrations due to their underlying geology. If you live in a state or county with high average radon levels, your home is at greater risk. Checking EPA radon zone maps or consulting local health departments can inform you about your area’s radon potential.


2. You Have a Basement or Crawl Space

Homes with basements or crawl spaces are more susceptible to radon accumulation. Because radon rises from the soil, it can seep through:

  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Gaps around pipes and sump pumps
  • Construction joints
  • Exposed earth in crawl spaces

Basements with poor ventilation can allow radon to concentrate, increasing exposure levels for occupants who spend time in those areas.


3. Recent Home Renovations or Structural Changes

If you’ve recently remodeled your home—especially if renovations altered the ventilation system or foundation layout—radon levels may have changed. For example:

  • Sealing windows for energy efficiency without improving ventilation
  • Adding an addition with a new foundation
  • Installing insulation or replacing flooring in basements

These changes can trap radon inside or open new entry points from the ground.


4. Your Neighbors Have High Radon Levels

Radon levels can vary greatly from house to house, but if neighbors have discovered elevated radon levels, it indicates the underlying soil is rich in uranium and your home could be affected similarly. Testing your home, even if your neighbor has already tested, is important for accurate results specific to your property.

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5. Extended Time Since Last Radon Test

Radon levels can fluctuate due to seasonal changes, soil moisture, and home alterations. If it has been more than two years since your last radon test—or if you’ve never tested—your home could have undetected elevated levels posing health risks to your family.


6. Symptoms of Long-Term Radon Exposure

While radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms, long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers. If anyone in your household is experiencing unexplained respiratory issues or you have a family history of lung cancer, testing for radon is critical as a preventive health measure.


Why Testing Is the Only Reliable Way to Know

Unlike carbon monoxide, radon has no immediate physical warning signs such as odor or irritation. Professional radon testing is the only accurate method to determine if your home has elevated levels. Short-term test kits provide a quick assessment, while long-term testing offers a better understanding of average exposure over time.


What to Do If Your Home Has Elevated Radon Levels

If testing shows radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system. This system reduces radon levels by venting the gas from beneath your home to the outside, protecting your family from long-term health risks.


Because radon is invisible and odorless, it often goes unnoticed until it becomes a serious health concern. Understanding these signs and the importance of regular testing empowers homeowners to take preventive action. If you suspect your home may have elevated radon levels, schedule a professional test and, if necessary, consult radon mitigation experts to safeguard your family’s health for years to come.