What actually influences radon levels?

After years of field testing, one of the strongest predictors is not home age or style, but foundation and soil interaction.

Homes built over:

• uranium-rich soils

• gravel or dirt crawl spaces

• multiple foundation transitions

• unsealed sump pits or soil gas entry points

often show greater potential for elevated readings.

One detail I frequently inspect is the sump pit cover. A missing or improperly sealed cover can be a significant entry point for soil gas, including radon.

The only reliable way to know

There is no visual inspection, symptom check, or neighbor comparison that can confirm radon levels in your home.

The only way to know is to test.

In my experience, DIY kits are often placed incorrectly, especially when positioned too close to the floor or outside the proper “breathing zone” (typically 4–6 feet above the floor). This can lead to misleading results.

Proper testing conditions and professional placement matter when interpreting exposure risk accurately