Radon air quality

The Complete Health Risk Guide

Expert Radon Testing and Mitigation Services

Yes, radon gas is extremely harmful to humans. This naturally occurring radioactive gas causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking—and the number one cause among non-smokers.

The EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is a key authority in assessing the health risks of residential radon exposure and has supported major studies on indoor radon hazards. Radon occurs not only in homes but also in indoor workplaces, so testing is important in both environments. High concentrations of radon can also be found in indoor environments with limited ventilation, such as water treatment facilities, which may pose health risks. Radon occurs mainly indoors, especially in areas in contact with the ground, such as basements and cellars. Radon is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 1 in 15 American homes has elevated radon levels above the recommended action threshold. Testing for radon is the only way to assess the actual risk in any home, regardless of its construction date. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), an indicator of radioactivity. Professional radon testing and radon mitigation can reduce your family’s cancer risk by up to 99%, protecting those you love from this invisible threat.

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Why Radon Gas is Dangerous to Human Health

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium in the soil beneath homes and buildings. Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in soil and rocks. When breathed radon enters your lungs, it releases radioactive particles that lodge in lung tissue and emit alpha radiation, causing direct DNA damage that can lead to cancer, which is why understanding radon health risks, testing, and mitigation responsibilities is so important for homeowners and property managers.

  • Causes lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers: Residential radon exposure definitively causes lung cancer regardless of smoking status, with findings effectively ending any debate about direct evidence linking home exposure to cancer risk. Building materials made from natural substances, such as concrete and granite, can emit small amounts of radon indoors.
  • Radioactive particles damage lung cells at the molecular level: Alpha particles cause DNA double-strand breaks, chromosomal deletions, and genetic mutations that dysregulate tumor-suppressing proteins and promote carcinogenesis. Radon can also be found in drinking water, but the health risks from ingestion are much lower than from breathing radon in air.
  • Risk increases with exposure duration and radon concentrations: Lung cancer risk increases approximately 16% for every 100 Bq/m³ increase in long-term average radon level, with higher concentrations creating proportionally greater danger, making it wise to use quick methods to reduce radon levels at home while you arrange professional mitigation.
  • No safe level of radon exposure exists: Even at the average indoor radon level of 1.3 pCi/L, approximately 20 people per 1,000 may develop lung cancer over their lifetime.
  • Combined with tobacco smoking, radon risk multiplies dramatically: The radon risk is significantly higher for smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke, as smoking prevalence amplifies the risk of lung cancer caused by radon. Smokers face 25 times greater risk of lung cancer from radon exposure than nonsmokers, creating a deadly synergistic health effect.

Our Radon Services

As part of our broader heating, cooling, plumbing, electric, appliance, and radon services, we offer specialized solutions to identify and reduce dangerous radon levels in your home.

Residential Radon Testing

We provide comprehensive radon testing for homes throughout Central Ohio and Southwest Florida. Our EPA-approved testing methods accurately measure indoor radon levels, giving you the information needed to protect your family from radon health risks.

Professional Radon Mitigation

Expert radon reduction systems for homes and light commercial properties. Our certified technicians design and install radon mitigation systems that effectively reduce radon levels by over 90%, addressing indoor air quality concerns in existing buildings, and you can learn what to expect from the radon remediation installation process and timeline.

Top 10 Critical Radon Health Facts

  1. EPA estimates 1 in 15 homes has elevated radon levels above the 4 pCi/L action threshold, putting millions of families at increased risk.
  2. Radon causes approximately 12% of all lung cancers in the U.S. and 3-14% of lung cancers worldwide, according to WHO estimates.
  3. Risk of lung cancer increases 16% for every 100 Bq/m³ increase in radon concentrations based on pooled European studies.
  4. Children and elderly face higher risk due to respiratory sensitivity and developing lung tissue in young people.
  5. Radon exposure produces no immediate symptoms—you cannot see, smell, or taste this radioactive gas entering your home.
  6. Radon related lung cancer can develop 5-25 years after initial radiation exposure, with cancer risks accumulating over time.
  7. Uranium miners first revealed radon dangers through elevated lung cancer rates, prompting several previous residential studies that confirmed home exposure risks.
  8. Previous residential studies in Europe, North America, and China provide direct evidence linking indoor radon to lung cancer even at relatively low concentrations.
  9. Sub-slab depressurization systems can reduce radon indoors by more than 90%, making professional mitigation highly effective.
  10. At 10 pCi/L, approximately 150 people per 1,000 may develop developing lung cancer—a risk 200 times greater than dying in a home fire.
  11. High radon concentrations can be found in both indoor air and drinking water, especially in areas with certain geological features, so many homeowners rely on professional radon testing and mitigation services in Newark, Ohio and similar programs to keep their indoor air and water safe.
  12. Radon can be found in water, particularly in groundwater sources like wells, but most of it escapes into the air before reaching consumers.
  13. The average indoor radon level in the United States is about 1.3 pCi/L, while the average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
  14. Radon is often higher in places where there is a large amount of uranium near the surface of bedrock, such as granite, limestone, and shale.
  15. Radon levels can be effectively reduced in homes through various mitigation techniques, although the cost and complexity can vary.
  16. Radon levels vary significantly based on geological factors such as the presence of uranium deposits, soil composition, and rock types.
  17. Areas with high levels of radon are often found in regions with granite, limestone, and shale rock formations.

Our Radon Mitigation Process

Step 1: Professional Radon Testing

We conduct comprehensive radon level measurements in your home using EPA-approved methods. Our test kit protocols ensure accurate readings that reflect your actual indoor air radon concentrations.

Step 2: Risk Assessment

We analyze your test results and explain radon health risks based on EPA guidelines. The EPA assessment recommends action at 4 pCi/L and considering mitigation between 2-4 pCi/L, where risks already exceed common accident fatalities.

Step 3: Custom Mitigation System Design

Our certified technicians design a radon mitigation system tailored to your home’s specific construction materials, foundation type, and radon entry points from the soil beneath your property.

Step 4: Professional Installation and Monitoring

We install sub-slab depressurization systems and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure effectiveness. Our systems address radon poses by preventing radon gas from accumulating in your living spaces, which is especially critical for property owners given the risk of lawsuits against landlords for radon exposure.

Customer Testimonials

Many nearby communities, including Baltimore-area homeowners who rely on our HVAC, plumbing, and radon services, share similar stories of improved comfort and safer indoor air.

“After learning about radon related risks and how commonly found high radon levels are in our area, we called Dor-Mar immediately. Their testing revealed dangerous levels in our basement. The mitigation system they installed gives us incredible peace of mind knowing our children are protected.” – Sarah M., Columbus, Ohio

“We never knew indoor radon could be such a serious cause of lung cancer. Dor-Mar’s team was professional and thorough, explaining everything clearly. Our radon levels dropped from 8 pCi/L to under 1 pCi/L after installation.” – David R., Naples, Florida

Homeowners in other Ohio communities also benefit from our Westerville HVAC, plumbing, electric, and radon services.

“As former smokers, we understood the health risk was even greater for us. Dor-Mar’s radon testing and mitigation services may have saved our lives. Highly recommended!” – Patricia and John K., Dublin, Ohio

If you live nearby, our Westerville-area home comfort and radon experts can provide similar testing and mitigation support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How dangerous is radon gas to humans?

Radon gas is extremely dangerous. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall, responsible for over 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. To calculate risks: at 4 pCi/L, approximately 62 people per 1,000 may develop lung cancer—five times the risk of dying in a car accident. The American Cancer Society and EPA confirm these cancer risks are real and preventable through testing and mitigation.

What radon level is safe for humans?

No radon level is completely safe. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L and considering mitigation between 2-4 pCi/L. The average outdoor radon level is about 0.4 pCi/L, while the average indoor radon level in U.S. homes is 1.3 pCi/L. Several factors influence your exposure, including building materials, natural ventilation, and soil composition. Even below action levels, some lung cancer risk remains—reduction to the lowest achievable level is always beneficial.

How quickly can radon harm your health?

Radon health risks predicted by researchers develop over years of exposure rather than immediately. Cancer typically develops 5-25 years after radiation exposure begins, with risk accumulating based on both concentration levels and duration. Short-term high radon exposure is less dangerous than long-term exposure at moderate levels. This is why testing your home promptly matters—the sooner you test radon levels and implement mitigation if needed, the more you reduce your lifetime cancer risk. Emerging research also suggests possible links to breast cancer, stomach cancer, and stroke, though these health effects require further study.

Contact Us

Protect Your Family’s Health Today!

Don’t wait to address radon poses to your family’s health. Every day of elevated radon exposure increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Our experts help homeowners throughout Central Ohio and Southwest Florida test radon levels and implement effective solutions.

Phone: (740) 990-3696

Central Ohio Office: 123 Main Street, Columbus, OH – serviced by our Columbus heating, cooling, plumbing, and radon specialists

Southwest Florida Office: 456 Gulf Drive, Naples, FL

We offer emergency services and free estimates for radon mitigation. Contact us today to schedule your professional radon testing and take the first step toward protecting your family from this invisible health threat.

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