Radon testing might not be the most exciting item on a homeowner’s to-do list, but it may be one of the most important. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, and it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings without producing any smell, taste, or visible sign of its presence. The only way to know whether radon is a problem in a home is to test for it. Here’s what every homeowner should understand.
Why Radon Is a Serious Health Concern
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking, according to the EPA. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases cancer risk, and because the gas has no sensory cues whatsoever, people can be exposed for years without realizing it.
The risk isn’t limited to older homes or homes in certain climates. Radon levels can vary dramatically from house to house, even between neighboring properties on the same street. Geology, home construction, ventilation habits, and local soil conditions all play a role. That unpredictability is exactly why radon testing matters everywhere, including in Montana, where certain geological formations are associated with elevated radon potential.
How Radon Testing Works
Radon testing is a non-invasive, relatively simple process. There are two common approaches: short-term tests and long-term tests. Short-term tests, which use a small detector placed in the lowest livable area of the home, typically run for 48 to 96 hours. Long-term tests run for 90 days or more and provide a better picture of average annual exposure.
Professional radon testing conducted during a home inspection uses calibrated equipment placed according to specific protocols, giving results that are more reliable than some consumer-grade DIY kits. The devices are left undisturbed during the test period, then sent to a certified lab for analysis.
Understanding Radon Test Results
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when results come in at 4 pCi/L or higher. Levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L are considered a gray zone where mitigation is worth considering. The national average indoor radon level is around 1.3 pCi/L for context.
If elevated levels are found, that’s not a reason to panic, it’s a reason to act. Radon mitigation systems are well-established, effective, and generally cost between $800 and $2,500 depending on the home’s construction. Most systems bring radon levels well below the action threshold.
When Radon Testing Makes Sense
Radon testing is most commonly associated with home purchases, and for good reason, buyers want to know what they’re moving into. But it’s equally relevant for existing homeowners who have never tested, homeowners who’ve done renovation work that changed their home’s structure or ventilation, and anyone living in an area with known radon potential.
Montana sits in a region where radon awareness is especially warranted. Testing is the only way to get a real answer for any specific property, and it’s one of the lower-cost protections a homeowner can put in place for their family’s long-term health.
What to Do if Radon Levels Are High
If radon testing reveals levels at or above 4 pCi/L, a licensed radon mitigation contractor can install a system typically involving sub-slab depressurization — essentially a pipe and fan system that draws radon from beneath the home and vents it outside before it can accumulate indoors. These systems run continuously and quietly, and their effectiveness can be verified with follow-up radon testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should radon testing be done? The EPA recommends testing every two years, and after any major renovation or change in the home’s structure. If mitigation has been installed, follow-up testing should be done to confirm the system is working.
Does radon testing need to be done by a professional? While DIY test kits are available, professional radon testing during a home inspection follows established protocols and uses calibrated equipment, making results more reliable. Professional testing is especially important for real estate transactions.
Can I be in the home during radon testing? You can live normally in the home during a short-term test, but certain conditions must be maintained — windows and exterior doors should remain closed as much as possible, and the test device should not be disturbed or moved.
Is radon a problem in Montana specifically? Yes. Montana has geological formations associated with higher radon potential in some areas. Radon testing is strongly recommended for all Montana homeowners and homebuyers.
Does a high radon level mean I shouldn’t buy or should sell a home? Not at all. Elevated radon is a solvable problem. Once a mitigation system is in place and follow-up radon testing confirms success, the home is just as safe as one that tested low to begin with.
Schedule your inspection with Riverbend Property Inspections today or call us to learn more! Riverbend Property Inspections provides Residential Home Inspections, Radon Testing, Mold and water/well Testing in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Ennis, Butte, Helena, Three Fork and Southwest Montana, Gallatin Valley.
