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No, air purifiers are not an effective way to reduce or remove radon. Radon is a radioactive, inert gas that cannot be filtered by standard air purifiers, which are designed to capture particulates like dust and mold. While an air purifier can improve indoor air quality by removing other pollutants, it should not be relied upon for radon. The only effective solution for high radon levels is a dedicated radon mitigation system.

Radon is present almost everywhere but, like sunlight, the concentration levels and how often you are exposed to it have a large part to play in just how dangerous it is. There are levels of radon that are acceptable inside a house, but above a certain limit, radon becomes a serious radioactive hazard that is a known cause of lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is the number two leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking).

The soil beneath your house is most likely what’s causing an increased level of radon. This is because soil holds radioactivity for a long time and it’s also what most buildings are built on. Another common source of radon is water from a source that hasn’t been through periodic radon tests, such as well water. Over time, the radon from the soil can inhabit other parts of your house like the foundation or plumbing.

The lifespan of a radon mitigation system depends on the type of system and its maintenance. With proper care, a system can last for many decades. Passive systems tend to last longer as they have fewer components that require replacement. Active systems, which have more moving parts like fans, generally have a shorter lifespan. For instance, water filtration devices and active pressurization systems require more frequent maintenance. While the system as a whole is durable, the radon fan in an active system typically has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years and will need to be replaced. As long as the fan is working, the mitigation system should function correctly.