Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas—and it’s more dangerous than many homeowners realize. Found in soil and rock beneath homes, radon can seep through cracks in the foundation, crawlspaces, sump pumps, or even your well water. If you ignore high radon levels, the consequences can be long-lasting, expensive, and in some cases, fatal.
Health Risks of Untreated Radon Exposure
The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, just behind smoking. The EPA estimates that radon causes over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. When you live in a home with elevated radon levels and don’t act, every breath increases long-term risk.
Radon-related lung cancer often shows no symptoms until it’s progressed, and it affects smokers and non-smokers alike. Children may be especially vulnerable due to faster breathing rates and developing lungs.
How Fast Can Radon Build Up?
Radon levels can vary seasonally—often spiking in winter when windows are closed and ventilation is limited. But a high reading can occur any time of year and in any home. You don’t need a basement to have a radon problem. In fact, homes built on slab foundations or crawlspaces are still at risk.
In some cases, it only takes weeks or months for dangerous levels to accumulate. That’s why the EPA recommends testing your home every two years, and especially after remodeling, adding HVAC, or making foundation repairs.
Radon Doesn’t Go Away on Its Own
Unlike mold or leaks, radon isn’t something you can clean up or “air out” over time. It doesn’t go away without mitigation. Left untreated, it continues to rise through the soil and collect in your living space. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms now, you’re living with a hidden risk.
And if you’re planning to sell your home, radon testing is often required. High levels can delay or derail a sale—and the cost of mitigation may fall on you if not handled proactively.
How to Take Action
If your radon test shows levels above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), the EPA recommends taking immediate action. A certified radon mitigation contractor can assess your property and install a system that vents radon from below your home to the outside. These systems are quiet, low-maintenance, and highly effective—often reducing radon levels by 99%.