Not many people have heard of radon, and even fewer understand the real risks it poses inside homes. As a result, radon myths and misinformation often prevent homeowners from taking action to protect their health.
Common radon myths can make it difficult to understand how radon gas forms, how it enters homes, and why testing matters. With the right information, homeowners can make informed decisions about radon testing and mitigation.
In this article, we debunk six common myths about radon and share the facts you need to keep your home and family safe from this invisible threat.
Myth #1: You Can Detect Radon Without a Radon Test
One of the most common radon myths is that people can somehow detect radon gas on their own. Unlike carbon monoxide or mold, radon gas has no smell, color, or taste. There are no physical warning signs that indicate its presence.
Because radon cannot be detected by human senses, radon testingis the only reliable way to know whether radon levels are elevated in your home. Even homes that look clean, dry, and well-ventilated can contain dangerous radon concentrations.
Testing allows homeowners to identify radon early and take action before long-term exposure occurs.
Myth #2: A Small Amount of Radon Isn’t Dangerous
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and more than 21,000 people in the U.S. alone die each year from exposure to this radioactive gas.
It’s a harsh statistic, but it is a testament to how many underestimate the dangers of radon, even in seemingly “small” amounts. The truth is, no amount of radon is safe, and the longer you breathe in air contaminated with radon, the more susceptible you will become to developing conditions like lung cancer.
A radon test is the only way to accurately determine your home’s radon levels. If the test detects levels above 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L) and you’ve lived in that home for a long time, this means that you’ve been exposed to radon over a long period of time and it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with your doctor. Look out for some of the symptoms of radon gas poisoning including, persistent cough, chest pain, frequent infections like pneumonia, and more.
Radon detection and mitigation is the best prevention.
Myth #3: New Homes Don’t Have Radon
A widespread misconception is that newer homes or homes without basements are protected from radon. Unfortunately, radon can affect any home, regardless of age, design, or construction type.
Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. Because most homes are built in direct contact with the ground, radon gas can enter through:
-
Foundation cracks
-
Construction joints
-
Gaps around utility pipes
-
Crawl spaces and slab foundations
But surely, you can rely on newer constructions to undergo rigorous radon testing and radon-proofing, right? As it stands, there are only 11 states in the country that have building codes that require radon-resistant new construction (RRNC).
These states are California, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. Even then, it is called radon-resistant for a reason: there is no way to guarantee your home remains free of the radioactive gas.
Myth #4: Opening Windows Gets Rid of Radon
One of the seemingly more believable radon myths is that you can just ventilate your home by opening windows and letting the radon escape.
Looking at radon facts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) debunks this myth. Radon gas is approximately 7.5 times heavier than air, but it is a noble gas with no chemical affinity and is easily influenced by air movements and pressure.
Opening a window will not rid your home of any significant level of radon, rather just disperse it throughout the house in erratic manners.
Radon mitigation services should be installed by qualified professionals in or outside the home and vacuum the radioactive gas from below the foundation, up through the mitigation system piping, and out above the roofline.
As you can see, this process is much different than just opening up your windows. Intricate and complex building science and an understanding of the sensitive impacts on the air pressure in your home is required to install a system most effective in reducing radon levels in any home or building.
Myth #5: You Only Need to Test for Radon Once
Radon levels are not static. They change over time due to environmental and structural factors, including:
-
Seasonal weather changes
-
Soil moisture and water table shifts
-
Home renovations or foundation settling
-
Changes in ventilation or HVAC systems
Because of these variables, the EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years, even if a mitigation system is already installed. Systems also require routine inspection to ensure they continue working as designed.
Testing once is not enough to ensure long-term safety.
Myth #6: Radon Testing and Mitigation Are Too Expensive
A radon mitigation system that’s not installed properly can inadvertently worsen radon levels, due to the delicate balance of pressure required to achieve effective radon reduction. Through our dedication to excellence and meticulous attention to detail, we aim to provide not only peace of mind but also a safer living environment for you and your loved ones.
Protect Environmental offers convenient scheduling and digital testing done by National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) certified technicians that allows you to see a detailed analysis of your home’s radon levels after a 48-hour active radon testing period.
When it’s time to install your radon mitigation system, our team can have your system up and running in approximately one business day.
Protect Your Home With Facts, Not Myths
Understanding the truth behind common radon myths empowers homeowners to take control of their indoor air quality. Radon gas may be invisible, but its health risks are well documented and preventable.
The best way to protect your household is through education, regular radon testing, and professional mitigation when needed.
At Protect Environmental, we’re dedicated to making your home a safe place to breathe with professional radon testing and mitigation services. Our experts thoroughly gather data on your home’s radon levels and help put together an action plan that reduces these levels so you can enjoy your home with the utmost peace of mind.
Fill out our service request form or call us at 877-508-8850 today to make sure your home is a healthy and safe place to breathe.
Test My Home!
Professional radon testing is the first step to making your home a safe place to breathe.
