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6 Common Radon Myths Debunked
Reading time: 4 minutes
Safety
This article was originally posted on May 2019 and has been updated to reflect current information.
What’s the biggest cause of radon infiltration in homes? Some may say poor ventilation. Others may argue negligence. At the source, the culprit is misinformation. The biggest culprit is the natural breakdown of uranium.
Many people lack awareness of what radon is, how it can enter our homes, and how to mitigate the threat. And it’s not just homeowners who have faulty information about this dangerous gas found in our soil – builders, contractors, realtors, and others also hold problematic misconceptions.
Our radon mitigation experts are here to clear the air on some of the most common radon myths.
Myth #1: I've Lived in my Home for 30 Years and Never had Any Issues
Statements like these are common. People may be familiar with the statistics, like the fact that nearly 22,000 people die from lung cancer caused by radon each year in the US. However, many individuals remain skeptical of the threat until it affects them or someone they know.
Studies reinforce the link between radon and lung cancer, highlighting that long-term exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or genetic predispositions.
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Myth #2: If a Home has High Levels of Radon, I’ll be Able to Detect it
This radioactive gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Unlike other gases like carbon monoxide that have a distinct odor, radon is essentially undetectable to our senses.
While some may use short-term test kits to check for radon levels, these methods provide only a snapshot of a few days, which may not reflect the true levels. Radon fluctuates over time, and short-term tests may capture a period when radon levels are unusually low. To get more accurate, reliable readings, we recommend using continuous indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors. These devices provide real-time data, enabling you to track radon levels consistently and identify any fluctuations or spikes in exposure over time.
Myth #3: Radon Levels Are Affected by Outdoor Conditions
Radon levels are primarily influenced by factors inside your home, not the weather outside.
While outdoor conditions like temperature, wind, and air pressure can influence the movement of radon in the environment, the concentration of radon inside your home is what matters most. Radon enters buildings through cracks in the foundation or other openings, and its levels are determined by factors such as the soil composition and permeability beneath your home, as well as the ventilation and sealing of your living space. Therefore, even if outdoor conditions change, indoor radon levels can remain high, making it important to regularly test for radon indoors to ensure a safe living environment.
Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium in the ground. No matter what type of foundation your home rests on...it will have direct contract with the ground and will exposed to radon. (link)
Without standardized enforcement, new homes may lack adequate radon protection.
Myth #4: Radon is only an issue in certain kinds of homes
A common misconception is that only tight houses and those with basements are at risk for radon infiltration. All homes—whether old, new, drafty, insulated, with basements or not—can present radon problems. Radon is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil.
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Myth #5: My neighbor’s home has low radon levels, so mine probably does too.
Factors that affect radon levels, such as soil composition and ground permeability, are specific to each home’s plot of land. While it’s reasonable to assume that neighboring homes might share similar soil and permeability, this isn’t always the case.
Additionally, the duration of a radon test and the season in which it is conducted can lead to varying results. For example, radon levels often fluctuate due to changes in temperature and air pressure, which can influence the rate at which radon enters a home.
Myth #6: Once you have a radon mitigation system, you don’t need to test it again.
Radon mitigation systems are designed to consistently maintain low radon levels when properly installed and functioning. The radon fan—a critical component—has an average lifespan of 5-10 years and may need replacement during that time. Regular inspections ensure the system continues to operate effectively.
Radon levels can vary due to factors like changes in home ventilation or ground conditions, so periodic testing remains essential. It’s recommended to test a home’s radon levels every two years to confirm the mitigation system is performing as intended and to ensure the safety of all occupants. This ongoing testing should be maintained indefinitely to address any potential changes in radon infiltration or system performance.
Broader Implications of Radon Exposure and Indoor Air Quality
Radon is just one of many factors affecting indoor air quality. Other pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaning products, Co2 or mold, can also pose health risks. Addressing radon exposure is one part of a larger effort to ensure a safe and healthy home environment.
Homeowner Action Steps
To better protect your home from radon, consider the following steps:
Conduct Regular Testing: Use a reliable radon testing kit or hire a professional to assess your home.
Choose a Qualified Mitigator: If high levels of radon are detected, select a certified radon mitigator to install a mitigation system. Ensure they are experienced and have good reviews. Visit AARST certified website to find a professional.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local building codes and state regulations regarding radon-resistant construction practices.
All in all, education is key to the fight against radon. People who don’t know or are misinformed about the risks of radon don’t take preventive measures; those who do know, test.
Learn more about Fantech’s series of radon mitigation solutions for proper protection.
Sources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Radon: The Silent Killer. EPA Radon
World Health Organization. (2021). Radon and Health. WHO Radon
The National Radon Program Services. (2022). Continuous Radon Monitoring.
Radon Mitigation Professionals. (2023). Advancements in Radon Testing Technologies.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon. EPA Guide
American Lung Association. (2022). Radon: What You Need to Know.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Radon in Homes.
National Conference of State Legislatures. (2024). State Radon-Resistant New Construction Laws.
National Radon Safety Board. (2023). Building Codes and Standards.
U.S. Geological Survey. (2023). Radon in Homes: Understanding Your Risk.
National Radon Program Services. (2022). Radon Mitigation System Maintenance.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Radon Testing.
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Indoor Air Quality: Problems and Solutions.
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