Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the ground. It’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing.
According to Pennsylvania’s Radon Division, over 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have unsafe levels of radon, as deemed by the EPA. Long-term radon exposure has been associated with various illnesses, including cancer, making mitigation extremely important.
While radon mitigation systems are highly effective at reducing radon and fairly affordable, most residents are unaware of the threat that radon poses and fail to test for it.
Whether you own a home in Northeast Pennsylvania or are looking to buy a home, conducting a radon inspection is the first step to mitigating radon exposure and protecting your health.
What Is Radon in Homes?
Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater breaks down. Outdoors, it disperses into the air and usually poses little risk. Indoors, however, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and lower levels where ventilation is limited.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right behind smoking. For non-smokers, it’s the number one cause. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, making radon a serious concern for every homeowner.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Radon Exposure?
Radon exposure isn’t something you’ll notice right away, but over time it can have serious health consequences. The primary risk is lung cancer caused by radioactive particles that damage lung tissue when inhaled. According to the EPA, radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States.
The risk increases the longer you’re exposed, and it’s even higher for people who smoke. However, non-smokers are not immune, as radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Because symptoms may take years to appear, many homeowners remain unaware of the danger until it’s too late.
How Common Is Radon in Northeast Pennsylvania?
Radon is extremely common in Northeast Pennsylvania, with many counties reporting levels well above the EPA’s recommended action limit of 4 pCi/L.
Homes built near abandoned coal mines where radon freely releases into the air may be more at risk, though radon has been reported in homes high above the ground, including in the Hill Section of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Northeast Pennsylvania is considered a radon hotspot due to its unique geology. The region sits on uranium-rich rock formations, particularly shale and granite, which release radon as they break down. Combined with older housing stock and many homes with basements, conditions are ideal for radon accumulation.
While radon can be found anywhere, some counties in NEPA report consistently higher readings:
- Luzerne County – Many homes exceed the EPA action level due to underlying shale formations.
- Lackawanna County – Testing frequently reveals levels well above 4 pCi/L, even in newer construction.
- Monroe and Pike Counties – With mountainous terrain and rocky soil, radon prevalence is high.
- Wayne, Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties – Radon levels often reach some of the state’s highest averages.
No matter where you’re located in NEPA, the risk of elevated radon is real.
How to Test for Radon in Homes
One of the biggest challenges with radon is that you can’t see or smell it. The only way to know if your home has unsafe levels is through testing.
Several types of tests can be purchased DIY, though professional testing is always the most accurate.
Certified radon professionals typically start by inspecting the home and identifying potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. They then place continuous radon monitors or charcoal canisters in key areas—usually the lowest lived-in level of the home—and leave them for the designated testing period. Afterward, the devices are sent to a lab or analyzed on-site, providing precise measurements that account for any fluctuations.
How Radon Mitigation Systems Reduce Radon
If testing shows radon above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends taking corrective action. Even levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L are considered risky and may warrant mitigation.
The best method to reduce radon is with a mitigation system. These systems create a low-pressure zone beneath the foundation that safely draws radon gas from the soil and vents it outside, preventing it from entering the home. Fans, pipes, and sealed entry points ensure continuous airflow, effectively lowering indoor radon levels to safe ranges.
Most radon mitigation systems cost between $800 and $1,500 in Pennsylvania. Considering the health risks, this is a small investment in long-term safety.
Testing for Radon Before Buying a Home
If you’re buying or selling a home in NEPA, radon testing is not included in the inspection process. Buyers will need to hire a specialized radon testing company to see whether radon levels rise above the EPA’s recommended threshold of 4 pCi/L.
As a seller, getting a professional radon test can be a good way to ensure potential buyers of the safety of your home.
In fact, some lenders and real estate contracts may even require radon testing before closing. If elevated levels are found, the seller is often expected to address them before the transaction is finalized, but there will be room for negotiation on both sides.
FAQs
What is radon and why is it dangerous?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is dangerous because long-term exposure can cause lung cancer, even in non-smokers.
How common is radon in Northeast Pennsylvania?
Radon is very common in Northeast Pennsylvania. Many counties report levels above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L, making testing critical for every home.
How do I test my home for radon?
You can use a DIY short-term or long-term test, but professional testing provides the most accurate results. Professionals place calibrated monitors in your home, usually on the lowest lived-in level, for several days or months and then analyze the results to determine radon levels.