What is radon? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally from the earth when radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater.

People are always exposed to radon, but radon from beneath the ground can leak through the cracks and gaps in your home, increasing your exposure.

Radon gas in your home can lead to lung cancer and other health effects. Luckily, there are ways to reduce radon to keep you and your family safe.

When should you test your home for radon? Any home can have radon, so it’s important to test for it. The CDC recommends testing your radon levels when you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, before and after any home renovations, and before making lifestyle changes in your home, such as moving an office or bedroom into your basement.

Even if you’re not moving or renovating anytime soon, the EPA recommends testing every two years.

Where can you purchase test kits? Homeowners can purchase radon testing kits at a local hardware store or online to test levels themselves. This is a more cost-effective way to see if you need to take further action. You can also hire a professional radon reduction company to run a test or an inspection for you.

Short-term test kits are available for quick results, and long-term tests measure radon for a more extended period. Radon levels can fluctuate in your home from day to day based on the weather and the time of year, so choose the test that best fits your situation.

How can you reduce radon levels? Radon mitigation systems are installed in homes that need to reduce radon to a safe level. These systems consist of a vent pipe and a fan to safely move radon out of a home. The installation process may also include sealing any cracks in the basement or lower level of a house. If you have an open sump pump, you may have to replace or seal it.

What is the cost of a radon mitigation system? Prices can vary but can start at around $1,000.

Who should you hire for radon mitigation? If you need to install a radon mitigation system in your home, finding a professional you can trust is important. Since radon is a health risk, mitigation must be handled correctly to reduce health risks to you and your loved ones. You can check with your state's radon program to find a qualified, certified professional near you.

You can also check if the business is BBB Accredited by searching on BBB.org and looking for the BBB Seal. BBB Accredited Businesses adhere to the BBB’s Standards for Trust.

Check a business’s customer reviews and complaints to learn about other customers’ experiences with it.

For more information

Find more information on maintaining your home at BBB’s Home Maintenance HQ.

Read about how to find the right contractor for your home improvement needs.