Whether you rent a basement apartment or a top-floor unit, radon should be on your radar. It’s an invisible threat that builds up indoors—and renters often aren’t told if it’s there.
So how do you know what’s safe and what’s not?
Let’s break down the numbers and what they mean for you.
First, What Is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations or gaps around pipes.
It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible—but long-term exposure is a known cause of lung cancer. According to the EPA, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right after smoking.
And the scary part? Any home—rented or owned—can have high radon levels.
What Radon Levels Are Considered Safe?
The EPA’s action level is:
4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter)
This means if radon levels in your home are at or above 4.0, action should be taken to reduce it.
That said, no level of radon is considered 100% risk-free. The EPA actually recommends that radon mitigation be considered even for levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L if you’re planning to live there long-term.
Here’s a Quick Radon Level Guide:
| Radon Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0 – 1.9 pCi/L | Low risk, generally safe |
| 2.0 – 3.9 pCi/L | Moderate risk, consider retesting |
| 4.0+ pCi/L | High risk, take action to reduce levels |
How Do I Know the Radon Level in My Rental?
Unless your landlord provides you with a recent radon test report, you probably don’t know—and that’s a problem.
Here’s what you can do:
- Ask your landlord directly if the property has been tested.
- Use a radon test kit (DIY or professional) in your apartment.
- Place the detector in the lowest livable level of your rental, away from windows and doors.
Professional services like EnviroPro 360 can also test your space and deliver certified results.
What If My Test Shows High Radon?
If your test result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, it’s time to act:
- Notify your landlord immediately with the documented results.
- Request radon mitigation (like a venting system) to lower the levels.
- Retest after mitigation to ensure it worked.
- Know your rights—you may have grounds for legal action if the space is considered uninhabitable.
Can Radon Be Higher in Apartments?
Yes—especially in units that:
- Are on the ground floor or basement level
- Sit above unsealed crawl spaces
- Have poor ventilation or older foundations
That said, radon can appear on upper floors too. The only way to know is to test.
What Can Lower Radon Levels?
- Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation
- Installing a radon mitigation system
- Improving ventilation, especially in basements and crawl spaces
Mitigation is fast, effective, and can usually be done without major renovations. And if your landlord won’t do it, you may be able to get help from local or state health programs.
Bottom Line: Know the Numbers. Know Your Risk.
As a renter, you deserve to know the radon levels in your home. Just because you don’t own the property doesn’t mean your health is any less important.
So remember:
4.0 is the danger zone.
2.0 to 3.9 is a yellow flag.
Below 2.0 is where you want to be.
Need Help Testing for Radon in a Rental?
EnviroPro 360 helps renters across Augusta, Georgia and the Carolinas know their radon levels and take action to stay safe. Contact us today to schedule a test.
EnviroPro 360 – Your Trusted Partner in Radon Safety.
