What Exactly is Radon Testing and Why Do Homes in Utah Need it?

You’ve probably heard about radon testing from the news and media in recent years due to radon’s harmful side effects.

 But what exactly is radon, and why do homes in Utah need to test for it? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is both colorless and odorless. It is produced by decaying uranium, radium, or thorium. These radioactive metals are present in much of the earth’s soil, and they release radon gasses as they break down. 

Most of the gasses are trapped in the soil, but the radon gas is released into the air when a house is built. There are low levels of radon gas in the air we breathe every single day. It’s a naturally occurring gas, so it’s present all around us.

Low levels of radon gasses like this haven’t proved harmful, but occasionally radon can get trapped inside of a house and lead to concentrated levels inside the structure. Time and time again, studies have found a strong relationship between radon levels and lung cancer, as well as other major health problems. 

Radon Testing and Why it’s Needed

The amount of radon in your home is entirely dependent on how your house interacts with the soil around it. Most of the radon in a place enters through gaps in floors and walls, but some can even penetrate the pores in the concrete. Radon is impossible to detect without testing due to the lack of smell or color, and the level of radon in your home may vary significantly from your neighbor’s house.

This is why radon testing is so important. You may be living in a home with high levels of radon gas without ever even knowing it. Radon is relatively easy to mitigate, but testing is essential to find out if mitigation is needed. It can be found in any home and any location, so Utah homes are just as susceptible as homes in any state.

How is Radon Testing Done?

Testing for radon should be done in every home, and although you can purchase DIY radon test kits, it’s best done by an experienced professional to ensure the reading is accurate. The radon levels in your home can change quickly, so the EPA recommends testing for radon every two years. 1 out of every 15 homes has radon levels above the recommended level, and the longer you live with radon in your home, the higher your risk of developing lung cancer. Conduct a radon test regularly to keep your home the haven that it should be. 

Your Home Inspection Pros Are Here

It’s important to know if your Utah home is filled with radon gas, and Your Home Inspection Pros is here to help. We offer full buyer’s and seller’s home inspections, new construction inspections, builder’s inspections, and more. Add on radon testing with any other inspection for peace of mind knowing your home doesn’t pose any health risks. We offer our commercial and home inspection services throughout Salt Lake, Davis, Wasatch, Tooele, and Utah Counties in Utah. Schedule your inspection today!