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Ideally, no one will live in a house with elevated radon levels, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of serious health issues like lung cancer. However, homes with radon can be made safe through mitigation systems, such as active soil depressurization. Testing for radon regularly and addressing high levels helps ensure a safe living environment.

No level of radon is technically safe, but since it is present everywhere, complete avoidance is impossible. The average radon level in homes across the United States is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking preventative measures if your home's radon levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L or higher.

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.

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.