Home Health Inspections LLC

📞 Service Area Statement:

We proudly serve clients throughout Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties — and will travel anywhere within Washington State as needed.

*Additional travel fees may apply for inspections outside our primary service region.

Radon Gas

Radon Gas – A Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Home

  • What is Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms when uranium in the soil, rock, and groundwater breaks down.

  • It is completely invisible — you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it.
  • Unlike other household hazards such as mold or carbon monoxide, radon has no warning signs.
  • The only way to know if your home has radon is by performing a test.

Because of its silent nature, radon is often called a “hidden killer.” Many families live with elevated radon levels for years without knowing it, putting their long-term health at risk.

Where Does Radon Come From?

Radon comes from the ground. It is released naturally as part of the breakdown process of uranium, a mineral that is found in nearly all types of soil and rock.

  • Outdoors, radon is usually diluted and harmless.
  • Indoors, however, it can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels.

Radon can enter your home in many ways:

  • Through cracks in concrete floors and walls
  • Gaps around pipes, wiring, sump pumps, or drains
  • Openings in crawlspaces and unfinished basements
  • Even through well water in some cases

Any home — new or old, big or small, with or without a basement — can have a radon issue. It doesn’t matter how well your home was built; radon can find a way inside.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon is more than just a nuisance — it’s a serious health hazard.

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking.
  • For non-smokers, radon exposure is actually the number one cause of lung cancer.
  • The risk increases the longer you live in a home with high radon levels.

Unlike smoke or chemical fumes, radon doesn’t cause irritation you can feel. You won’t cough, get headaches, or feel short of breath right away. The danger lies in long-term exposure: breathing in radon gas allows radioactive particles to settle in the lungs, damaging lung tissue over time and potentially leading to cancer.

Why Should Homeowners Test for Radon?

Every home is different. Two houses side by side can have very different radon levels, even if they were built the same way. This makes testing essential.

  • Location doesn’t guarantee safety: Radon has been found in homes in every U.S. state.
  • Age of the home doesn’t matter: Both brand-new construction and older houses can have radon issues.
  • Lifestyle doesn’t reduce the risk: You can’t avoid radon by ventilating a room occasionally; only a test will confirm safe levels.

If you are buying or selling a home, radon testing is an especially important step. Many real estate transactions now include radon testing as part of the inspection process, since buyers want to know they’re moving into a safe environment.

What if Radon is Found in My Home?

Finding radon in your home can sound scary, but the good news is that the problem can almost always be fixed.

  • Radon mitigation systems are designed to vent the gas safely outside before it has a chance to accumulate indoors.
  • The most common solution is a sub-slab depressurization system, which pulls radon from beneath your home and exhausts it outdoors through a pipe and fan system.
  • In most cases, these systems are not disruptive and can be installed in less than a day.

Once installed, a mitigation system can reduce radon levels by up to 99%, making your home safe again.

Tips for Reducing Radon Risk

While a professional system is the best solution, homeowners can also take simple steps to reduce potential radon buildup:

  • Seal visible cracks in walls, floors, and foundations.
  • Ensure crawlspaces are properly ventilated.
  • Keep your basement in good condition and check for new gaps or openings regularly.
  • Retest your home every 2–3 years, even after installing a mitigation system.

The Bottom Line

Radon is a silent but serious health risk that every homeowner should be aware of. The good news is that it’s easy to test for and straightforward to fix.

  • Test your home: It’s the only way to know your risk.
  • Take action if needed: Mitigation systems are effective and reliable.
  • Protect your family’s health: Reducing radon exposure can lower the risk of lung cancer and give you peace of mind.

A Home Health Inspection that includes radon testing is one of the best steps you can take to ensure your home is not only comfortable but also safe.