Health implications
EPA and Pennsylvania DEP identify radon as a lung-cancer risk. The risk increases with long-term exposure, and EPA states that no known level of radon exposure is completely risk-free.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, so testing is the only way to know a home's radon level.
Radon basics for Pennsylvania homeowners
Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in rock and soil. It can move through the ground and enter homes through cracks, hollow block walls, sump openings, floor drains, utility penetrations, and other foundation openings.
Pennsylvania has significant radon exposure because of its geology. Pennsylvania DEP reports that about 40% of tested homes in the state have radon levels above the EPA action guideline of 4 pCi/L. That does not mean every home is high; it means every home should be tested.
- Radon can be present in old homes, new homes, finished basements, unfinished basements, slab homes, and crawlspaces
- Levels can vary from one home to the next, even in the same neighborhood
- Testing is necessary because radon has no obvious warning signs
- Mitigation can reduce elevated indoor radon by collecting soil gas and venting it outdoors
What the action level means
The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher and considering reduction for levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
How mitigation reduces levels
A common mitigation system creates suction below the foundation, carries radon through sealed piping, and discharges it outdoors above the occupied area.
Where Keystone fits
Keystone Radon Mitigation designs and installs radon mitigation systems for homeowners and property owners in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Keystone works from existing radon results and advises customers to verify mitigation performance with appropriate post-install testing.
Have an elevated radon result?
Keystone Radon Mitigation can review the result and discuss mitigation options.