The natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water can cause radon to appear in a home. The gas seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors, as well as through gaps around pipes or construction joints. Radon levels are influenced by soil composition, building materials, and ventilation. Poorly sealed or airtight homes can trap radon, allowing it to accumulate.

To determine whether you have radon in your home, you must run a test. Radon gas has no odor or color, so you won’t notice a concentration of radon. You could purchase a DIY test at a local hardware store, but it may not deliver completely trustworthy results. The best way to test and receive accurate results is to hire a local radon detection specialist.

Installing a mitigation system reduces radon levels, which can cause lung cancer, providing peace of mind and long-term health benefits. It can also increase your home’s value, as many buyers prefer properties with radon safety measures in place. The investment is relatively low compared to the potential health risks associated with prolonged radon exposure.

No level of radon is technically safe, but because it’s everywhere—even in the air outside—it’s impossible to avoid entirely. Instead, the Environmental Protection Agency encourages taking preventative measures if the levels of radon in your home rise above 2 pCi/L. (For reference, the average radon level in homes across the United States is 1.3 pCi/L.