What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless — meaning you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if radon is in your home is to test for it.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths per year according to the EPA. It can enter any home — new or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement.

Verdara Tip: You cannot detect radon without a test. Even brand new homes can have dangerous radon levels.

How Does Radon Enter Your Home?

• Through cracks in solid floors and walls
• Through construction joints
• Through gaps in suspended floors
• Through cavities inside walls
• Through the water supply

What Is a Safe Radon Level?

The EPA recommends taking action if your radon level is at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). However, any level above 2 pCi/L is worth monitoring. The average indoor radon level in the US is about 1.3 pCi/L.

Verdara Tip: No level of radon is completely safe. The lower your radon level, the lower your risk.

How to Test for Radon

1. Purchase a short-term radon test kit — available at Verdara
2. Place the kit in the lowest livable area of your home for 48 to 96 hours
3. Mail the kit to the included lab for analysis
4. Receive your results within 7 to 10 business days
5. If levels are high, contact a certified radon mitigation professional

What to Do If Radon Levels Are High

If your test results come back above 4 pCi/L, do not panic — it is fixable. Contact a state-certified radon mitigation contractor. The most common solution is a sub-slab depressurization system, which typically costs between $800 and $2,500 and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.