As a real estate professional, you play a vital role in helping clients make informed decisions about the health and safety of a home. One often-overlooked hazard is radon—a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks. Understanding the facts about radon can help you better guide buyers and sellers through the testing and mitigation process during a transaction.
Key Facts
More than 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. may have dangerous levels of radon.
Radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless—and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the top cause among non-smokers.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and can enter any building, including new and old homes, regardless of location or construction type.
Elevated radon levels have been found in every state.
There is no safe level of radon. Action should be taken if levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and even levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L warrant consideration.
Testing is the only way to know if radon is present, and qualified professionals should perform tests during real estate transactions.
Even if nearby homes test low, a neighboring property can still have elevated radon levels.
By understanding radon risks and encouraging testing, you help protect your clients’ health while adding value to your professional services.
FAQs About Radon in Homes
Page last updated: June 11, 2025
