We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Considered an Acceptable Radon Level?

By Ken Black
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,649
Share

An acceptable radon level is often difficult to determine and depends upon what one feels is an acceptable risk. Any exposure to radon gas could increase the chances of developing lung cancer. In the United States, Congress has passed a law saying that the natural level of radon found outdoors is the acceptable level indoors. That level is .4 pico Curies per Liter (pCi/L).

Technically speaking, if this were the acceptable radon level to most people, they would not be able to live in their homes. Very few homes have a radon level equal to or below that found outdoors. Therefore, most homeowners look at other risks and levels in order to calculate whether they are at increased risk from exposure to radon.

The average radon level for a home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA does not advise individuals to consider taking action until radon levels are 2 pCi/L or greater. Therefore, one may interpret that to mean that an acceptable radon level is anything under a 2 pCi/L, especially for longer term exposure. Anything more than a 4 pCi/L should definitely be fixed, according to the EPA.

The acceptable radon level may also be somewhat dependent upon the lifestyle of the individual or family. The risk of contracting lung cancer due to radon exposure increases when an individual smokes. For example, using the average outdoor radon level, approximately three smokers in 1,000 would get lung cancer. At 20 pCi/L, 260 smokers would eventually come down with the disease. By comparison, less than two non-smokers in 1,000 would get lung cancer from radon at the outdoor level and approximately 36 would get lung cancer at the 20pCi/L level.

One important consideration when looking at radon levels and determining what is acceptable is testing more than one area of the home. For example, if a homeowner converts an unfinished basement into a living space, radon could be higher in that portion of the home. Therefore, any space that is well used should be tested, as well as new spaces that start to be utilized more often.

If radon is not at acceptable levels, there are several things a homeowner can do to reduce radon in a home. The most important thing to do is always make sure your home is monitored with a radon detector. Reducing the radon involves sealing cracks and possibly adding a system of vents and pipes. This helps prevent radon from entering the home from below the foundation, and should help the homeowner achieve an acceptable radon level.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-considered-an-acceptable-radon-level.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.