Radon is one of the most misunderstood environmental hazards in many homes across the United States. Despite being the second leading cause of lung cancer, it is often overlooked due to a variety of myths and misconceptions that persist in the public's mind. The problem is that, while radon itself is invisible and odorless, the risks associated with it are very real. To protect your home and your health, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
In this blog, we’ll debunk 6 of the most common myths about radon and clarify the truth about this dangerous gas. Understanding radon and how it works can help homeowners take the proper steps to protect their families.
1. Myth: Radon is Only a Problem in Certain Areas
Fact: Radon can be found in any home, in any part of the country.
One of the most common misconceptions is that radon is a problem only in certain geographical regions, like areas with high levels of uranium deposits or old mines. While it is true that certain areas are more prone to elevated radon levels, radon can be found in any home, anywhere.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified radon into three risk zones based on the average radon levels in a given area:
Zone 1: Highest risk (e.g., areas with uranium-rich soil)
Zone 2: Moderate risk
Zone 3: Lowest risk
However, homes in low-risk zones can still have dangerously high radon levels. Radon doesn’t follow any rules about location. Whether your home is in a high-risk zone or a low-risk zone, the only way to know for sure if you have a radon problem is by testing.
2. Myth: Radon is Only Dangerous in Old Homes
Fact: New homes can have high radon levels too.
Some people believe that radon is only a concern in older homes because they may have more cracks and gaps in their foundations where radon can seep in. While it’s true that older homes often have more potential entry points, newer homes are not immune to radon.
In fact, modern homes can sometimes trap radon inside even more effectively due to their tighter construction and better insulation. Radon can still enter through small gaps or cracks in the foundation, construction joints, or even service pipes. Moreover, homes built on radon-prone soil can see elevated levels of radon regardless of their age.
The bottom line is this: both old and new homes can have high radon levels—you must test to know for sure.
3. Myth: Radon Exposure Only Causes Lung Cancer in Smokers
Fact: Non-smokers are also at risk of lung cancer from radon exposure.
While it’s true that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is the second leading cause, and it poses a significant risk to both smokers and non-smokers alike. Many people believe that if they don’t smoke, they don’t need to worry about radon, but that’s simply not true.
According to the American Cancer Society, people who have never smoked are still at risk for lung cancer due to radon exposure, especially if they’ve lived in a home with high radon levels for an extended period of time. In fact, non-smokers are estimated to account for about 20% of all radon-related lung cancer deaths.
If you live in an area with high radon levels, or if your home has not been tested, don’t assume you’re safe just because you don’t smoke. Everyone is at risk, and testing is the only way to know if radon is affecting your health.
4. Myth: Opening Windows or Ventilating Your Home Will Solve a Radon Problem
Fact: Radon mitigation is the only effective way to reduce high radon levels.
Some people believe that simply opening windows or using fans can reduce radon levels in their homes. While it’s true that ventilation can lower indoor concentrations of some pollutants, it doesn’t work for radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation. Ventilating your home or opening windows may temporarily reduce radon concentrations, but it does not address the root cause—the gas is still entering your home from the ground.
The only effective solution for high radon levels is radon mitigation. This typically involves installing a system that pulls radon from beneath your home and vents it safely outside. The most common method is active soil depressurization (ASD), which uses a fan to draw radon out from beneath the foundation. Other solutions, like sealing cracks or improving ventilation in crawlspaces, can also help, but the core issue requires a proper mitigation system.
5. Myth: Radon Levels in a Neighbor’s Home Mean Yours Are the Same
Fact: Radon levels vary dramatically from home to home, even in the same neighborhood.
It’s easy to assume that if your neighbor’s home doesn’t have a radon problem, yours is likely safe too. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Radon levels are highly localized, and even homes built in the same neighborhood or on the same street can have very different radon concentrations.
Radon enters a home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, and these pathways can differ greatly between homes. The geology of the area, the construction type, and even the ventilation within the home all affect how radon levels can fluctuate.
For example, two homes may have radon entering the basement, but one might have a crawlspace that prevents radon from venting, while the other may have a well-ventilated basement. The only way to know whether your home is affected by radon is to test it yourself.
6. Myth: Radon Mitigation Systems Are Expensive and Complicated to Install
Fact: Radon mitigation is affordable and relatively simple to install.
Some homeowners avoid addressing radon because they think that mitigation systems are too costly or difficult to install. In reality, radon mitigation systems are affordable and often much less expensive than other home improvement projects. On average, the cost of installing a radon mitigation system ranges from $800 to $2,500, depending on the size and layout of your home.
The installation process itself is usually quick, often taking only a few hours. A licensed professional will assess your home, determine the best method for radon reduction, and install the system to ensure it’s working efficiently. And once installed, the system requires very little maintenance.
Think of radon mitigation as an investment in your family’s health. For such a reasonable price, you can eliminate a significant health risk and protect your loved ones.
Don’t Fall for the Myths—Test for Radon Today
Radon is a serious threat to your health, and there’s no reason to take chances with myths and misconceptions. The truth is simple: radon can be found in any home, old or new, and it poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, to both smokers and non-smokers alike. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is by testing—and if the levels are high, radon mitigation can effectively reduce them.
Don’t rely on myths—take action today to ensure your home is safe from radon exposure. Schedule a radon test, and if necessary, invest in a radon mitigation system. It’s an affordable and effective way to protect your family’s health for years to come.
Call to Action:
Concerned about radon in your home? Contact us today to schedule a professional radon test. If your radon levels are elevated, our certified experts can help you implement a cost-effective mitigation solution to ensure your home is safe.
Call now at 587-413-1510 or visit our website to schedule your radon test!
These are things I totally did not know. Thank you Radon First for blogging about these myths. Many more people should be aware of this and I left a Google review as well. Wes was our installer and he was so incredibly amazing!!