What is Radon? 

Radon is a radioactive noble gas formed from the decay of uranium in soil. It infiltrates structures through: Foundation cracks, Sump pits, Utility penetrations, Crawlspaces and slab joints​. Once inside, radon accumulates—especially in basements and lower levels.​

 

Health Risks: Why is Radon a Serious Threat?

• Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers

• Linked to thousands of U.S. deaths annually

• Long-term exposure significantly increases risk

• There are no immediate symptoms, making testing critical

 

What are Radon Action Levels? 

Radioactivity (and radon gas) results are measured in units of picocuries (pCi) [per liter of air] in the United States versus the International System of Units (SI), the Becquerel (Bq). A picocurie is a unit of radioactivity that is equivalent to one trillionth of a curie. In Perspective, one cure measures the rate of radioactive decay, specifically 3.7 x 10^10 disintegrations per second. ​

 

What is an Action Level?

The EPA recommends fixing homes when radon levels reach 4 pCi/L (150 Bq/m³) or higher. Since no known level of radon exposure is considered safe, the EPA also urges Americans to consider taking action when levels fall between 2 and 4 pCi/L (75–150 Bq/m³). (epa.gov).

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Where does Radon come from?

Radon is a natural soil gas. It can not be seen, smelled, or tasted; testing is the only reliable way to determine the concentrations of radon gas in any space. The Illinois Department of Emergency Management (IEMA) has established an action level for radon mitigation when levels radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L.

Licensed professional radon measurements provide accurate results and help homeowners determine whether mitigation is necessary. Testing is particularly important during real estate transactions, basement finishing projects, and routine home safety evaluations.​​​

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What Is Radon and Why Testing Is Critical

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that enters buildings through foundation cracks, sump pits, and soil gas pathways. It is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the EPA.

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What Is Considered a Dangerous Radon Level?

• 0–2.0 pCi/L → Low risk

• 2.0–3.9 pCi/L → Moderate risk

• 4.0+ pCi/L → EPA action level (mitigation recommended)

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When Should You Test for Radon?

• Buying or selling a home

• Every 2 years (recommended)

• After renovations or foundation changes

• Before finishing a basement

• If you’ve never tested before

 

Where to get Radon Testing in Private Schools, Public Schools, and Charter Schools:​ 

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, and exposure to it can cause lung cancer (radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States). It comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all rock and soils; it typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into an occupancy through cracks and other holes in the foundation. ANSI/AARST MA-MFLB-2023: Protocol For Conducting Measurements Of Radon And Radon Decay Products In Multifamily, School, Commercial And Multi-Use Buildings details protocols when measuring radon concentrations in residential and non-residential occupancies.

US ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING has over ten years' experience and hundreds of measurement projects that have included commercial, mixed use, large buildings and campuses, multi-family, and school buildings. If your organization is preparing an air quality study that may include asbestos, lead-based-paint, mold, radon detection, organic compound detection or water system analysis. Contact US Environmental Testing to request a free quote for services.  

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How does radon detection work?

Radon testing measures the concentration of radon gas in your home using short-term or long-term detectors that capture the gas or its radioactive decay products. 

A radon detector is a device that measures the concentration of radon gas in indoor air, typically reporting results in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings from the ground, and because it’s colorless and odorless, a detector is the only way to know if it’s present. The EPA recommends taking action if your home’s radon level reaches 4 pCi/L or higher.

All radon detectors rely on the same basic physics: radon is radioactive, and as it decays, it releases alpha particles. Detectors capture or count these particles to calculate how much radon is in the air. The differences between detector types come down to how they detect those particles and whether they give you a single reading after days or weeks, or continuous updates in real time.

Detectors fall into two broad categories: passive and active. Passive detectors have no electronics or power source. They collect a sample over a set period and then get sent to a lab for analysis. Active detectors are electronic monitors that measure radon continuously and display results on a screen or send them to a phone app.

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Overview of Radon Testing  

Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally seeps into homes from soil, rock, and water. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making testing the only way to detect its presence and assess potential health risks, such as lung cancer from long-term exposure.

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​​​​​​​​US Environmental Testing Services LLC radon detection services in Illinois

• Initial radon detection

• Follow-up radon detection

• Post-mitigation radon detection

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How does radon enter my home?

​Radon's primary entry point is through the soil.  The amount of radon in the soil depends upon the soil chemistry and varies among houses and may be affected by weather, soil moisture and porosity, home construction, foundation types, and home pressure.  Radon levels vary by region but are present in every State.

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Radon Levels Explained 

Radioactivity (and radon gas) results are measured in units of picocuries (pCi) [per liter of air] in the United States versus the International System of Units (SI), the Becquerel (Bq). A picocurie is a unit of radioactivity that is equivalent to one trillionth of a curie. In Perspective, one cure measures the rate of radioactive decay, specifically 3.7 x 10^10 disintegrations per second.

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​What is an Action Level?

The EPA recommends fixing homes when radon levels reach 4 pCi/L (150 Bq/m³) or higher. Since no known level of radon exposure is considered safe, the EPA also urges Americans to consider taking action when levels fall between 2 and 4 pCi/L (75–150 Bq/m³). (epa.gov)

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​What are some entry points of radon into my home?

Cracks in floors or walls of the foundation

● Gaps in suspended floors

● Openings around sump pumps and drains

● Wall cavities

● Construction joints

● Gaps around service pipes or wires

● Crawl spaces

● The water supply (Radon can affect bodies of water, specifically ground water)

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How to find radon mitigation services in Illinois?​

Radon mitigation professionals may be found on the Illinois Emergency Management Website. Northern Illinois Radon LLC and US Environmental Testing provides testing services for our clients and recommendations to trusted mitigation contractors.​

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Who can do a basic radon home test in Illinois?​

Northern Illinois Radon, a division of US Environmental Testing (usenvi.com), provides professional radon home testing across Illinois. We place certified short-term or long-term radon detectors in your home, analyze the results in an accredited lab, and give you a clear report so you know whether your family is safe — or whether you need radon mitigation.

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Will my neighbor's radon levels impact the results or levels in my home?

No.   Radon levels vary from house to house. The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to conduct a test.  "...Your home can have elevated levels of radon while your neighbor's home does not. Testing is the only way to determine if you have a problem. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive, and it could save your life. Thousands of lung cancer deaths could be avoided each year if homes with elevated radon underwent changes to reduce radon pollution." [3] 

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Are homes built with radon resistant materials radon proof?

The only way to identify if a dwelling has radon present is to conduct a short- or long- term radon test.  All buildings will have radon present. Even homes with integrated Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), such as passive new construction pipes (PNPs).  

When explained further, Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), is simply the installation of the radon system pipes without the fan.  Making the home "radon system ready," but certainly not resistant to its entry.

 

*If buying from a builder, inquire about the reimbursement options available on new RRNC homes that require the home have a fan installed on the home's radon system to make it meet standards.   Many builders offer free or discounted mitigation fan installation on new RRNC homes (if necessary).

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What is the EPA's Action Level for Radon and What Does it Mean?

Radon in air is ubiquitous (existing or being everywhere at the same time). Radon is found in outdoor air and in the indoor air of buildings of all kinds. The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (150 becquerels per meter cubed (Bq/m3)) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, the EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L (75 - 150 Bq/m3) .

The average indoor radon concentration for America’s homes is about 1.3 pCi/L (50 Bq/m3). It is upon this national average indoor level that the EPA based its estimate of 21,000 radon-related lung cancers a year. The average concentration of radon in outdoor air is .4 pCi/L (15 Bq/m3)or 1/10th of EPA's 4 pCi/L (150 Bq/m3)action level.

Note: Countries worldwide have adopted action levels for radon exposures. Most are similar to the 4 pCi/L (150 Bq/m3) action level recommended in the United States. The action level observed should comply with the guidance of the country, state, or other local jurisdiction of authority where the test is being conducted. For more information, review Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily, School, Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings Section 7.1 Action Level Guidance. (ANSI/AARST MA-MFLB-2023)

(source: What is EPA's Action Level for Radon and What Does it Mean? | US EPA)​​​​​​​

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What is considered a high/elevated radon level?

There is no safe level of radon exposure.  Radon gas is measured in picocuries  per liter (pCi/L).  The current airborne radon level at which the EPA and IEMA recommend action is 4.0 pCi/L.​

Citations:

[1]http://www.epa.gov/schools/guidelinestools/ehguide/downloads/OCHP_Healthy%20SchoolsFactsheet.pdf

[2]"A Physician's Guide | Radon | U.S. EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/physic.html#WhatIs (accessed December 24, 2014).

[3]"Health Risks | Radon | U.S. EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/radon/healthrisks.html (accessed December 24, 2014).

Credits:  NIR would like to thank the ACS, EPA, InterNACHI, NACHI and UIC for photos and graphs included in the website.

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I just need a basic radon test to protect my family, who can do this?

Protecting your family from radon starts with one phone call. Northern Illinois Radon LLC — part of US Environmental Testing — is your local IEMA-licensed radon measurement professional serving the greater Chicago area and all of Northern Illinois. We have been helping Illinois families breathe safely since 2015.

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Radon Testing & Mitigation in the United States 

US Environmental Testing America’s Leading Authority in Radon Detection

US Environmental Testing provides nationwide radon testing, radon inspection, and radon mitigation services, serving residential, commercial, government, and institutional clients across the United States.

 

What are the different types of radon detection?

• Diagnostic measurements:  an initial test performed to identify radon levels in a dwelling.

• Follow-up measurements:  a second test performed to confirm levels previously detected; usually performed to verify  the results of a home-test kit or to verify another company's test result.

• Short- and Long- term measurement:  Short- term measurements last forty-eight hours to 90-days, while long term measurements tend to last 91 days to one year in duration.

• Pre- and post- mitigation measurements:  a pre-mitigation test may be any test performed prior to mitigation solutions are performed.  While post-mitigation testing includes a second test to determine efficacy of the radon mitigation system.  The post-mitigation test shall be performed 24 hours to 30-days after the installation and activation of the mitigation system.

• DCFS Initial & Triennial License Renewal: Need DCFS-compliant radon testing? US Environmental provides certified radon detection for Illinois homes daycares and commercial daycares, ensuring fast results and official reports for your DCFS Licensing Agents. Test Every 3 years

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What agencies regulate radon testing?

• EPA Radon Guidelines

• ANSI/AARST Standards

• HUD Environmental Protocols

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Why Radon Is a Nationwide Public Health Issue

Radon is present in all 50 states, with elevated levels found in:

• Illinois

• Pennsylvania

• Ohio

• Colorado

• Iowa

 

Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the U.S.​

Our Nationwide Radon Services

✔ Radon Testing, Real estate transactions, Residential testing, Commercial and industrial testing​

✔ Government & Institutional Services, and Schools (K–12)

✔ Daycares, Healthcare facilities, Federal & municipal buildings​​​

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Radon Mitigation

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Professional Radon Mitigation That Works — Guaranteed Reduction

If your radon levels exceed EPA limits, US Environmental Testing provides advanced radon mitigation planning, contracting, and installation designed to reduce radon levels quickly, safely, and permanently.

Mitigation solutions including high-performance sub-slab depressurization systems engineered to bring radon levels below 2.0 pCi/L in most homes, commercial buildings, day care centers, industrial sites, and government facilities.

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What is Radon Mitigation?

Radon mitigation is the process of removing radon gas from your home or building by controlling airflow and soil gas entry points.

The most effective method is:

• Radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L

• Failed real estate inspection

• Basement or crawlspace air concerns

• Long-term exposure risk concerns

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Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)

• Creates negative pressure beneath foundation

• Redirects radon gas safely above roofline

• Prevents entry into living space

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​Mitigation with Results!

​Proven Results

Significant reduction within 24 hours in most cases

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How quickly does radon mitigation work?

Most radon systems reduce elevated radon within 24 hours.

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Does radon mitigation require maintenance?

Minimal - fan monitoring and occasional inpesection.

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Can radon return after mitigation?

A properly installed mitigation system will provide continuous protection.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Where do you provide radon testing service?

National Service Areas (Service Area Map)

 

​EPA Region 4

• Alabama, Mobile (Statewide)

• Florida, Tallahassee (Statewide)

• Georgia, Savanah (Statewide)

• Indiana, Indianapolis (Statewide)

• Kentucky, Lexington (Statewide)

• Mississippi, Jackson (Statewide)

• North Carolina, Raleigh (Statewide)

• South Carolina, Columbia (Statewide)

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EPA Region 5

• Illinois, Chicago (Statewide)

• Indiana, Indianapolis (Statewide)

• Michigan, Detroit (Statewide)

• Minnesota, Minneapolis (Statewide)

• Ohio, Columbus (Statewide)

• Wisconsin, Madison (Statewide)

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EPA Region 9

• American Samoa, Tafuna (Territory wide)

• Arizona, Phoenix (Statewide)

• California, Los Angeles (Statewide)

• Guam, Dededo (Statewide)

• Hawaii, Honolulu (All Islands)

• Nevada, Las Vegas (Statewide)

• Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan (All Islands)​​​

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