What Is Radon and How Does It Affect Me in My Home?

What Is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms naturally as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But it can quietly build up inside your home—and long-term exposure is a serious health risk.

Think of radon as a silent condition. You won’t feel symptoms day to day, but over time, exposure can have real consequences.

How Does Radon Get Into My Home?

Radon enters homes through:

  • Cracks in concrete slabs
  • Gaps around sump pumps
  • Crawlspaces
  • Basement floors and walls
  • Utility penetrations and joints

Homes in Farmington, Durango, and the Four Corners area are especially susceptible due to local geology and soil composition. Even newer, well-sealed homes can trap radon more effectively than older homes.

Why Is Radon Dangerous?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States—right behind smoking. For non-smokers, it’s the leading cause.

The risk increases when:

  • Radon levels are elevated over long periods
  • Windows are closed during colder months
  • Homes are tightly sealed for energy efficiency

This is why radon is often highest in winter—and why testing matters year-round.

How Do I Know If My Home Has Radon?

You can’t diagnose radon without testing. Period.

A professional radon inspection:

  • Measures radon accurately over time
  • Accounts for home layout and airflow
  • Provides clear, actionable results

At RadonRX, we don’t guess—we test, diagnose, and prescribe the right solution.

Your Home’s Prescription

If radon levels are elevated, the fix is usually straightforward and highly effective. Most mitigation systems reduce radon levels by 90–99%.

📅 Schedule your radon inspection today and let our specialists write the right prescription for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new homes safe from radon?

No. In fact, newer homes can sometimes have higher radon levels because modern construction is more airtight. Radon comes from the soil beneath your home — not from the age of the house.

Does a radon system increase home value?

Yes. A mitigation system is often seen as a proactive improvement and can simplify future real estate transactions by eliminating radon concerns during inspections.

How do I know if my home has radon?

Radon is invisible and odorless — there’s no way to detect it without testing. Even homes next door to each other can have completely different radon levels. The only way to know is to test.

How long does a radon test take?

Most professional tests run for 48 hours to ensure accurate results. After testing, we review the findings with you and explain exactly what they mean for your home.

How long does installation take?

Most mitigation systems are installed in a single day. You can remain in your home during installation.

Is radon mitigation loud or noticeable?

No. Modern mitigation systems are quiet and discreet. The vent stack is typically placed along the exterior of the home, and the fan operates with minimal noise.

Is radon really that dangerous?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the #1 cause among non-smokers. Long-term exposure increases risk — which is why early detection matters.

What does a radon mitigation system cost?

Costs vary depending on your home’s layout and foundation type. After testing and evaluation, we provide transparent pricing before any work begins.

What happens if my levels are high?

If radon levels exceed EPA recommendations (4.0 pCi/L), we design a mitigation system tailored to your home’s structure. Most systems reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

© RadonRX Radon Mitigation 2026