If you're preparing to buy or sell a home, if you don't know your home's radon levels, or if you start occupying a new space in your home, especially a basement, it's a great idea to test your home for radon. But why is testing for radon so important?

Radon is one of the deadliest and hardest to detect gases in your home. Here are some of the reasons air quality testing is necessary to protect you and your family from radon.

• Radon can cause severe long-term health problems. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). If you already smoke, breathing in radon means you have an even higher risk of lung cancer. About 21,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by radon.

• Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Unlike other gases, you cannot smell or see radon. You also won't get short-term medical symptoms like with other poisonous gases.
  
  
• Radon can only be detected by an air quality test. Since there's no way for you to detect radon with your senses, and you won't feel the effects of radon until you're very sick, the only reliable, safe way to detect radon is with an air quality test.

When Should I Hire a Professional?

With a gas as serious as radon, you want to make sure your air quality test results are accurate the first time. A professional can:

• Conduct a thorough test using state-of-the-art equipment.
• Ensure precise results, eliminating user errors common with DIY tests.
• Interpret the findings and determine if action is needed.
• Offer solutions to lower radon levels if necessary.



Radon gas levels can be reduced by up to 99% with the proper ventilation and mitigation systems. Hiring a professional ensures your home is safe for you and your family.

How Does Radon Enter Your Home?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. But how does it get inside your home?

• Cracks in Foundations & Walls: Radon seeps up from the ground and enters through even the smallest cracks in your foundation, walls, or floors.
• Well Water Contamination: Homes with private wells may have radon dissolved in their water supply, releasing the gas when the water is used.
• Gaps in Construction Joints: Unsealed spaces around pipes, windows, and doors allow radon to enter undetected.
• Poor Ventilation: Basements and crawl spaces with poor airflow can trap radon gas, leading to higher indoor concentrations.

By understanding how radon enters your home, you can take preventative steps to limit exposure.

How to Lower Radon Levels in Your Home

If your radon test results show elevated levels, don't panic! There are effective ways to reduce radon in your home.

• Install a Radon Mitigation System: A sub-slab depressurization system (radon mitigation system) vents radon outdoors, preventing it from accumulating inside.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulking and sealant to close foundation cracks and entry points where radon can seep in.
• Improve Home Ventilation: Increase airflow by using fans, vents, and open windows to dilute radon concentrations.
• Test Well Water for Radon: If you have a private well, consider aeration treatment systems or granular activated carbon filters to remove radon from your water supply.
• Schedule Regular Radon Tests: Since radon levels can fluctuate over time, testing every two years ensures continued safety.

By implementing these radon reduction strategies, you can protect your household from long-term health risks.

Is Radon a Problem in My Area?

Radon is found in every state, but some areas have higher concentrations than others. Factors that influence radon levels include:

• Geological Conditions: Regions with high uranium content in soil tend to have elevated radon levels.
• Building Construction: Homes with basements or crawl spaces are more susceptible to radon accumulation.
• Seasonal Changes: Radon levels increase during winter when homes are more tightly sealed.

The EPA provides radon risk maps to help homeowners understand their local exposure risk. However, radon levels can vary house to house, so testing is the only way to know for sure.

BioClean Can Help

At BioClean, we can test your air quality and help you keep your family safe from radon gas. Our results are verified by a third-party lab to ensure they are correct. Contact us today and ask for an air quality test to put your mind at ease about radon.