If you are a homeowner (or trying to become one) here in Utah, you need to know about radon gas. While knowledge about this is spreading, there are still many people who don’t understand what radon is and the health risk it can present.

What do I need to know about Radon Gas?

When uranium in soil decays, a radioactive gas is is formed. It has no odor, taste or color. This gas enters your home through construction joints as well as cracks and pores in the foundation. Once in your home, it becomes trapped. As we breathe it in, it can actually begin to damage the the cells in our lungs.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. In fact, the EPA credits about 20,000 deaths per year to radon related lung cancer. So how does that relate to radon for homeowners in Utah.

Radon In Utah

One in three homes in Utah is said to have high levels of radon gas. That is, levels that are above 4.0 picocuries per liter or pCi/L. This is the level that the EPA, environmental protection agency, has states is not safe for any home. The World Heath Organization, or WHO, actually states that the level should be below 2.7 pCi/L.

Since past testing shows the 1 in 3 homes have radon, there is a good chance your home could be one of them. It is important to note that any home can have radon. It doesn’t matter if it is new, old, large, small, etc. Also, if your neighbor had their home tested and have low levels, that doesn’t automatically mean that your home will also have low levels.

Steps to Take For Radon Safety

Whether you are buying a home or have lived there for years, the first step is always to test the home for radon gas. Testing is easy and free if you fill out the form on this page. Depending on the circumstances, the test may be either mailed to you or set up in your home by a radon representative. Testing takes a full 48 hours to get accurate results and then it will be picked up or you may mail it back to our lab to be read. This usually only takes a few days to get results and you will know if your home has a radon issue.

If your home DOES have a radon issue, then the next step is installing a radon mitigation system. A series of pipes connected to a fan that will vent the radon out above your home. These can be installed quickly and affordably without large disruption to your home.

If you are building a home, contact us about installing a passive radon system. This can save you money and in some cases protect you from being exposed to high levels of radon gas.

Questions or concerns about radon gas? Call us at 801-871-0715.