Let’s talk about something you can’t see, taste, or smell, but could be living with every single day: radon.
If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. Most people don’t think about radon until they’re buying a house, selling one, or someone mentions “that gas that causes lung cancer.” But radon isn’t just some far-off worry—it’s a very real issue for homes and buildings across the country, especially right here in the Southeast.
So what is radon, exactly? Why should you care? And how do you know if it’s in your home?
Let’s break it down in plain English—no science degree required.
Radon 101: What It Is and Where It Comes From
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. This gas seeps up from the ground and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, crawlspaces, sump pumps—you name it.
Once inside, radon can get trapped, building up to high levels—especially in areas with poor ventilation, like basements and ground floors.
And here’s the kicker: you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. You’ll never know it’s there without testing.
Why Radon Is a Big Deal
So it’s a gas from the ground—what’s the problem?
The issue is health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking. It’s responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
Let that sink in.
And if you’re a non-smoker? Radon is your number one risk for developing lung cancer.
Even worse—radon can be a threat in any home, new or old, well-sealed or drafty, basement or not. It doesn’t matter how clean your house is or what ZIP code you live in.
How Radon Gets Into Homes
Picture this: radon gas rises from the soil beneath your house. It finds tiny cracks, gaps, and porous surfaces, and seeps its way inside. Once there, it builds up—especially in places like:
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Ground-floor rooms
- Wall cavities
- Slab-on-grade foundations
Over time, breathing in high levels of radon increases your risk of lung damage—even if you feel perfectly fine right now.
The only way to know your radon levels? Professional testing.
Can Radon Be in My Home?
Absolutely—and many homes test high without their owners even knowing it.
In fact, the EPA recommends every home be tested for radon at least once, especially during a real estate transaction or if you’ve never done it before. Georgia and South Carolina, where EnviroPro 360 serves clients, are no strangers to elevated radon zones.
It’s worth noting that 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels, according to EPA data. That’s millions of homes. Yours could be one of them.
How Radon Testing Works
There are two main types of radon testing:
1. Short-term testing: Usually lasts 2–7 days and gives a quick snapshot of current levels. Perfect for real estate deals or first-time tests.
2. Long-term testing: Measures radon over 90+ days for a more accurate yearly average.
At EnviroPro 360, we use certified radon testing equipment that gives fast, accurate results. Our team explains everything in plain language, and if levels are high, we’ll walk you through what to do next—no scare tactics, just smart solutions.
What Happens If You Have High Radon?
If testing shows your radon levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), the EPA recommends mitigation. That sounds intense, but don’t worry—it doesn’t mean tearing your house apart.
Radon mitigation typically involves installing a system that vents radon from below your home out into the open air, where it disperses harmlessly. It’s quiet, efficient, and effective—and it makes a big difference in safety.
Radon Is Common—But So Is Prevention
Here’s the good news: radon is one of the easiest indoor environmental hazards to detect and fix. It’s also affordable, and once a mitigation system is installed, it can protect your home for decades.
The key is testing. Without it, you’re guessing—and when it comes to your health, that’s a gamble you don’t want to take.
Concerned about radon in your home or property? Don’t wait for symptoms—get the facts.
EnviroPro 360 offers certified radon testing services across Georgia and South Carolina. We make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free—because your safety should never be left to chance.
