Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It is formed by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil.

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers and those with prolonged exposure.

Radon can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps in walls or floors, and openings around pipes or cables. It can also enter through well water in some cases.

Radon testing kits are available for purchase at hardware stores or through radon service providers. These kits typically include instructions on how to collect air samples from your home and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

It is recommended to test your home for radon at least once every two years, or if any significant structural changes or renovations have been made to your home.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if the test results show levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Lowering radon levels further is also beneficial.

Radon mitigation techniques can include sealing cracks and openings, improving ventilation, and installing radon mitigation systems such as sub-slab depressurization or ventilation systems.

While some radon mitigation techniques can be done by homeowners, it is generally recommended to hire a professional radon service provider who has the expertise and knowledge to ensure effective mitigation.

Radon testing typically requires a few days to a week to collect the samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis. Radon mitigation can take a day or more, depending on the complexity of the system installation.

In some cases, radon services may be covered by homeowner’s insurance, but it varies depending on the policy and provider. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to determine if radon services are covered.