Radon – Alpine Climate Control, Inc.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground and into your home where it becomes trapped and can build up to dangerous levels over time.

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon gas decays into radioactive particles called radon decay products. These particles can get trapped in your lungs where they break down further, releasing small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time.

Your Lung Cancer Risk Depends On

How much radon is in your home
The amount of time you spend in your home
Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked

Measuring Radon and Local Risk

The amount of radon in the air is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fixing your home if the radon gas level is greater than 4 pCi/L. The average indoor radon level is estimated to be 1.3 pCi/L, while about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in outside air.

The EPA believes that any radon exposure carries some risk, even levels below 4 pCi/L. No level of radon is completely safe.

Radon Levels in Your Area

Testing data shows that radon is a significant concern in our region. In Sheridan County, nearly 6 of 10 homes tested have radon levels above the EPA recommended action level. In Johnson County, about 3 of 10 homes show elevated levels. This compares to the EPA’s national estimate of nearly 1 in 15 homes being elevated.

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Radon Mitigation Solutions

Radon levels can be lowered in any home by installing radon mitigation systems. The approach used depends on your home’s foundation type.

Subslab Depressurization System

The most common mitigation system for homes with a basement uses subslab depressurization. A pipe is installed that penetrates your basement slab and is vented to the outdoors. A special fan mounted inline runs continuously, pulling a vacuum on the soil below the slab. This pulls most of the radon out of the soil before it can enter the house.

Submembrane System for Crawl Spaces

Homes with crawl spaces use a submembrane system. High-density plastic is installed over the soil and sealed to the foundation wall. The same type of fan and venting system pulls a vacuum on the soil beneath the plastic, preventing radon entry.

Additional Mitigation Techniques

Fresh air ventilation and other supplemental techniques can be used in addition to subslab and submembrane systems to further reduce radon levels and improve overall indoor air quality.

How Alpine Climate Control, Inc. gets it Done

Frequently Asked Questions about Radon – Alpine Climate Control, Inc.

How do I know if my home has elevated radon levels?

The only way to know your home’s radon level is through testing. Radon is colorless and odorless, so you cannot detect it without professional testing. EPA-approved test kits can measure radon levels in your home over a period of time. If your home tests above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce the radon level.

Is radon mitigation expensive?

The cost of radon mitigation depends on your home’s foundation type and the complexity of the installation. A subslab or submembrane depressurization system is typically the most cost-effective solution. Many homeowners find that the investment in mitigation is worthwhile given the serious health risks that elevated radon poses, especially in regions where radon testing shows high prevalence.

Do I need radon mitigation if my radon level is below 4 pCi/L?

The EPA believes that any radon exposure carries some risk, even below 4 pCi/L. While 4 pCi/L is the EPA’s recommended action level, some experts suggest considering mitigation for levels as low as 2 pCi/L, especially if you spend significant time in your home or have risk factors like smoking. Testing your home is the first step to understanding your personal risk.

How long does a radon mitigation system last?

Properly installed and maintained radon mitigation systems can last for many years. The fan in the system typically needs to be inspected periodically and may eventually need replacement. Most systems are designed to operate continuously, and homeowners should check that the system is running and the exhaust vent is clear. Regular maintenance helps ensure your radon mitigation system remains effective over the long term.

How do I know if my home should be tested for radon?

Radon has no color or smell, so a test is the only way to know the level. It comes from uranium in soil, moves up through the ground, and can build up indoors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking, which is why homes in this area are tested even when nothing seems wrong.