Radon Is Invisible - But the Risk Is Real
Find out how radon forms, why it’s dangerous, and how professional testing can help protect your home or commercial property.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, meaning it cannot be detected without specialized testing.
Radon exists both outdoors and indoors. While outdoor radon levels are typically low and diluted by open air, indoor radon can accumulate to higher concentrations, especially in enclosed spaces such as basements and crawlspaces.
What Causes Radon Gas?
Radon is produced through the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in the earth. As uranium decays, it releases radon gas, which can move through soil and into buildings.
Radon levels vary depending on:
Local geology and soil composition
Foundation construction
Building ventilation
Structural openings and cracks
Radon can enter a home or building through:
Cracks in foundations
Gaps around pipes and utility penetrations
Sump pits
Crawlspaces
Well water (in some cases)
Importantly, any home can have elevated radon levels, regardless of:
Age (new or old)
Construction type
Whether it has a basement
How well it is sealed
The only way to know radon levels is through professional testing.
Is Radon Gas Dangerous?
Yes. Radon is classified as a carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking.
According to the EPA, approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are linked to radon exposure.
Risk increases with:
Higher radon concentrations
Longer exposure duration
Smoking history
Because radon has no smell or visible warning signs, many people are unaware they are being exposed.
Radon Exposure Symptoms
Radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms such as irritation or odor. The primary health concern is long-term lung damage that may eventually contribute to lung cancer. Symptoms associated with advanced lung conditions may include:
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Hoarseness
Wheezing
Unexplained weight loss
Coughing up blood
It is important to note that there is no specific “radon poisoning” test. The safest approach is prevention through testing and mitigation if necessary.
How to Protect Your Home from Radon
The only reliable way to determine radon levels in your home or commercial building is through radon testing.
The EPA recommends action if indoor radon levels exceed 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), though mitigation may be considered at lower levels.
Professional radon testing:
Measures indoor radon concentration
Provides documented results
Supports real estate transactions
Identifies whether mitigation is recommended
If elevated levels are detected, mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon concentrations.
Schedule Professional Radon Testing
The BrickKicker provides professional radon testing as part of our environmental inspection services. If you are buying, selling, or maintaining a property, radon testing provides clarity and peace of mind.