When was the last time you thought about the air inside your home? You might clean regularly, change your filters, and even open windows for fresh air—but what if there’s a silent danger you can’t see, smell, or taste slowly building up around you?

That hidden danger is radon gas, and it could be lurking right under your feet. The good news? You can take a simple five-minute check today that could literally save your life.

Let’s break down what radon is, why it’s so dangerous, and how a quick check could protect your home and your family from one of the most overlooked health risks in America.

What Is Radon and Why Should You Care?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It seeps up through the ground and can enter your home through tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pumps, and even well water.

The scariest part? Radon has no smell, no color, and no taste. You can’t sense it in any way—yet it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for more than 21,000 deaths every year, according to the EPA.

That’s why radon is often called the “silent killer.” You won’t know it’s there unless you test for it.

The 5-Minute Radon Safety Check

Before you panic, here’s the good news: you can take a few simple steps right now—yes, in five minutes or less—to find out if your home could be at risk.

Step 1: Check the EPA’s Radon Map

Visit the EPA’s Radon Zone Map online and find your state or county. Areas are rated from Zone 1 (highest potential) to Zone 3 (lowest potential) for radon. Even if your area is labeled “low,” it doesn’t mean you’re safe—radon levels can vary from house to house.

🕒 Time: 1 minute

Step 2: Look for Past Radon Test Results

If you have recently purchased or rented your home, review any inspection reports or seller disclosures. Many real estate documents now include radon testing results. If you don’t see one—consider that your first red flag.

🕒 Time: 1 minute

Step 3: Inspect for Foundation Cracks

Take a quick walk around your basement or foundation walls. Look for cracks, gaps, or exposed joints, especially where pipes or cables enter the home. These openings are prime entry points for radon gas.

🕒 Time: 2 minutes

Step 4: Order a Radon Test Kit

You can buy an EPA-approved radon test kit online or at most hardware stores for under $20. It comes with clear instructions and typically takes just a few minutes to set up. Simply place the kit in your home’s lowest lived-in area (like a basement or ground floor) and leave it for a few days.

🕒 Time: 1 minute to order / setup

Step 5: Mark Your Calendar for Testing

Once you’ve ordered your kit or scheduled a professional test, mark your calendar. Radon testing should be done every 2–3 years, or after any major renovations or foundation changes.

🕒 Time: 30 seconds

Why This Quick Check Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to put off something like radon testing—it’s invisible, and there’s no immediate “danger” you can see. But here’s the reality: every day you wait could increase your exposure to harmful radioactive particles that damage your lungs over time.

Here’s what radon exposure can do:

• Causes DNA damage in lung tissue

• Increase cancer risk, even for non-smokers

• Compound health effects for those who smoke or live in poorly ventilated spaces

The longer radon remains unchecked, the greater the danger becomes. And since symptoms don’t appear until years later, the only way to stay safe is to test early and often.

How to Read Your Radon Test Results

Once your radon test is complete, you’ll receive results measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Here’s what those numbers mean:

• 0–1.9 pCi/L: Excellent — minimal radon risk

• 2–3.9 pCi/L: Low to moderate — consider re-testing regularly

• 4 pCi/L or higher: Action level — EPA recommends immediate mitigation

Even if your results are below 4 pCi/L, experts often suggest mitigating any level above 2 pCi/L, especially if you spend a lot of time in lower levels of your home.

What If Your Radon Levels Are High?

If your test shows elevated radon, don’t panic—it’s fixable. The solution is a radon mitigation system, which can reduce levels by up to 99%.

A typical mitigation setup includes:

• A vent pipe to redirect radon gas from under your foundation to the outside

• A fan system to maintain airflow

• Sealing cracks and gaps to prevent re-entry

Professional mitigation systems are usually installed in a single day and cost between $1,200 and $2,500, depending on your home’s structure. Once it’s in place, you’ll enjoy long-term peace of mind and safer indoor air.

DIY vs. Professional Testing: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re on a budget, DIY radon test kits are perfectly fine for initial screening. They’re easy, reliable, and take just minutes to set up.

However, for more accurate or real estate-related testing, a certified radon professional is the smarter choice. They use calibrated digital monitors that record hourly readings and can pinpoint fluctuations in radon levels.

Look for professionals certified by:

• National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)

• National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

These organizations ensure the technician follows EPA-approved protocols for accurate and trustworthy results.

The Surprising Places Radon Can Hide

Many homeowners assume radon is only a problem in basements—but it can be anywhere. Common sources include:

• Well water: Radon can dissolve in groundwater and release gas when you shower or cook.

• Crawl spaces: Unsealed dirt floors allow radon to seep upward.

• Concrete slab homes: Even without basements, radon can enter through tiny cracks.

• New builds: Energy-efficient homes trap more radon due to reduced air leakage.

No matter your home’s style or age, testing is the only way to know for sure.

Radon and Real Estate: Why Buyers and Sellers Care

If you’re buying or selling a home, radon testing can make or break the deal. Many states now require radon disclosure during real estate transactions.

For sellers, having proof of safe radon levels adds confidence and value to your listing. For buyers, testing before closing ensures you’re not inheriting a hidden hazard.

Even better—if a mitigation system is already installed, it’s a major selling point. Modern systems are quiet, low-maintenance, and can even improve indoor air quality overall.

The True Cost of Doing Nothing

You might think, “I’ll test later,” but here’s what waiting could cost you:

• Health risks: Lung cancer from radon exposure often takes years to develop—but by then, it’s too late.

• Financial strain: Medical treatment costs for lung cancer can easily exceed $100,000.

• Lost home value: A failed radon test during sale negotiations can delay or derail deals.

When you compare those numbers to the $20 and five minutes it takes to start testing, the choice is obvious.

Radon Myths That Keep Homeowners in Danger

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

• Myth: “Radon isn’t a problem in my area.”
  Fact: Every U.S. county has radon presence—it’s just a matter of how much.

• Myth: “If my home passed once, it’s safe forever.”
  Fact: Radon levels fluctuate with weather, soil shifts, and renovations.

• Myth: “Radon testing is complicated.”
  Fact: It takes less than five minutes to start the process.

The truth? Testing is easier, faster, and cheaper than you think.

Take Action: Your Five Minutes Could Save a Life

So, is your home truly safe? The answer is: you won’t know until you test.

Radon testing doesn’t take long. It doesn’t cost much. But it can make the difference between early prevention and long-term illness. That’s a trade worth making.

In just five minutes, you can:

1. Check your area’s radon risk

2. Order a test kit

3. Start protecting your family

Don’t wait for symptoms or signs—radon doesn’t give warnings.
Your home deserves to be safe. Your family deserves to breathe clean air.

Conclusion: A Simple Test, A Safer Tomorrow

The air in your home should give you life, not take it away. And yet, radon silently threatens thousands of families each year—simply because they never test.

The five minutes you spend today could mean decades of safety, health, and peace of mind. So don’t delay.

Visit Radon Testing and Mitigation PNW to schedule a professional radon test or learn about DIY testing options.

Check your home radon test. Protect what matters most—your family’s health.