Radon Questions from Family and Friends

Question 1

My aunt just found out her radon is 6.0 pCi/L on her Airthings. She doesn't understand what that means. How do I explain it to her?

Accepted Answer

Tell her: 6.0 pCi/L is above the EPA's action level of 4.0 pCi/L, which means the EPA recommends fixing the home. It doesn't mean there's a crisis, but it's worth addressing. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can increase lung cancer risk over years of exposure - not days. The fix is a mitigation system, which is installed in one day and continuously lowers radon. Encourage her to call a licensed radon mitigator to get an evaluation. We're happy to talk with her directly.

Question 2

My son moved into a basement apartment. His Ecosense is reading 4.8 pCi/L. What should he do?

Accepted Answer

4.8 pCi/L is above the EPA action level. Since he's renting, the right step is to notify the landlord in writing that the radon reading is elevated and ask what they plan to do about it. Illinois doesn't have a specific statute mandating landlord radon remediation in all cases, but a documented 4.8 reading is a reasonable basis for requesting action. If the landlord won't act, he should consult an Illinois tenant rights resource or consider whether this is a living situation he wants to stay in long-term. If he'd like guidance on the mitigation process or what to say to the landlord, we can help.

Question 3

My neighbor's Airthings hit 7.0 pCi/L after a storm. She's panicking. Is that a real reading or a storm artifact?

Accepted Answer

Storm-related spikes are real - lower barometric pressure during a storm can push more radon into the home. But a single storm spike doesn't define her home's radon level. Tell her to watch the trend over the next 7-14 days and look at the long-term average. If the long-term average is also elevated (above 4.0), then it's worth addressing - but a single storm night at 7.0 doesn't require immediate panic. If her Airthings continues to show a long-term average above 4.0 after conditions normalize, that's when to call a mitigator.

Question 4

My grandfather has a SafetySiren that's been going off. He doesn't have a smartphone. What should he do?

Accepted Answer

If his SafetySiren is alarming, it means radon has risen above the device's alert threshold. He should look at the display reading. Encourage him to call a licensed radon mitigator - he doesn't need a smartphone or app for any of this. We'd be happy to talk with him directly if he wants to call and ask questions.

Question 5

My friend's home inspector used a RadonEye and told them the house is fine at 3.9 pCi/L. I don't think that's a proper test.

Accepted Answer

Your instinct is worth following up on. In Illinois, a formal real estate radon test must be conducted by a licensed radon measurement professional. If the inspector wasn't licensed for radon measurement or didn't follow closed-building testing protocol, the test may not satisfy state requirements. 3.9 pCi/L is also close enough to the 4.0 action level that a proper licensed test is worth doing to confirm. Recommend your friend ask for the inspector's Illinois radon measurement license number.

Question 6

My coworker just bought a house with a radon system already installed. They don't know if it's working.

Accepted Answer

The most reliable way to confirm a mitigation system is working is a current professional post-mitigation radon test by a licensed tester. They should also check whether the manometer gauge (if present) shows a pressure difference. If there's no manometer or they can't read it, a professional test is the definitive answer. If the system isn't working, a radon contractor can diagnose whether it's a fan failure, disconnected pipe, or other issue. We'd be happy to help evaluate the system.

Question 7

My mom has lived in her house for 30 years and just found out radon is 5.0 pCi/L. She feels guilty that she didn't know sooner.

Accepted Answer

She shouldn't feel guilty - most people don't test until prompted. Radon testing awareness has grown significantly in recent decades, and many homeowners have never been told to test. The good news is the fix is real: a mitigation system is a one-day installation that can reduce levels dramatically. What matters now is acting, not feeling bad about the past. Encourage her to get it mitigated and move forward. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss the process.

Question 8

My landlord installed an Airthings in the common basement and showed me the screen once. It said 3.7. Should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

3.7 pCi/L is in the range where the EPA says to consider mitigation. Whether it affects your individual unit depends on whether the basement is a habitable space you use, and whether radon migrates upward into your unit. It's worth asking the landlord to let you see the long-term average reading rather than a single glance. If the long-term average is consistently in the 3.5-4.0 range, that's worth a conversation with the landlord about their plans.

Question 9

My father-in-law borrowed an Airthings from the library and his reading says 2.8. Is that a reliable test?

Accepted Answer

Many public libraries do lend radon test devices - charcoal canisters more commonly, but some lend electronic monitors. If the device is in good working condition and was placed correctly (lowest occupied area, breathing zone, closed building conditions), the reading is useful context. 2.8 pCi/L is in the "consider mitigation" range per EPA. It's below the action level, but not something to ignore entirely, especially if the family spends significant time on that level. For a decision-level reading, a professional test is more defensible than a borrowed consumer device.

Question 10

My boss has a RadonEye in the office basement where I work. It reads 4.3 pCi/L. Should I be worried about working down there?

Accepted Answer

4.3 pCi/L is above the EPA action level. The context that matters is how many hours per day you're in that space. If you're working full days in a basement at 4.3 pCi/L, that's a cumulative exposure worth taking seriously. The right step is to let your employer know about the reading and ask about their plans to address it. OSHA doesn't have a specific radon workplace standard, but many employers take this seriously once it's brought to their attention. If the reading is accurate and consistent, mitigation is the appropriate response.

Question 11

The daycare my child attends is in a basement. How do I ask about radon?

Accepted Answer

Ask the director directly: "Has the facility been tested for radon, and if so, what were the results?" It's a reasonable question and many reputable daycares will be able to answer it. If they haven't tested, you can suggest they do - Illinois doesn't require testing for daycares but nothing prevents a parent from raising the question. If radon is elevated in a basement daycare, children are spending many hours per week in that air. That's worth advocating for a professional test and, if needed, mitigation.

Question 12

My daughter's Airthings in her basement rental unit is at 4.6 pCi/L. She wants to know if she should move.

Accepted Answer

Moving is one option, but mitigation is usually the more practical one. Her landlord has a responsibility to respond to a documented radon concern. Recommend she notify the landlord in writing with the specific reading. 4.6 pCi/L is above the EPA action level. If the landlord is unresponsive, she can contact an Illinois tenant rights organization or local health department. Moving doesn't address the underlying problem for future tenants in the unit either.

Question 13

My brother has a RadonEye in his basement and says it reads 3.9 pCi/L and he's fine because it's under 4.0.

Accepted Answer

Technically he's right that 3.9 is below the EPA action level of 4.0. But the EPA also says to consider mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, particularly with consistent readings in that range. 3.9 and 4.0 are not meaningfully different from an exposure perspective. If he or his family spends significant time in the basement, it's a conversation worth having - not a panic, but not a dismissal either. The context of how much time they spend there and whether there are children involved is relevant.

Question 14

My mother has an Airthings and doesn't know how to read it. Can you explain what the colors mean?

Accepted Answer

Airthings uses a color indicator as a simple guide: green typically means below about 1.0 pCi/L (good), yellow means in a middle range (worth watching), and red means elevated - above their alert threshold, which generally corresponds to the EPA action level range. The exact thresholds can vary by app version. The most important number is the long-term average displayed in the app - that's the reading to look at when deciding whether to take action.

Question 15

My mom's Airthings has been in the yellow zone for weeks. What should I tell her?

Accepted Answer

Yellow typically indicates a reading in the moderate range - below the alarm threshold but above the cleanest range. Weeks of yellow is worth paying attention to. Recommend she check the specific pCi/L value - is the long-term average approaching 4.0? If it's consistently in the 2.0-3.5 range, that's worth monitoring. If it's approaching 4.0, that moves into the "consider action" zone. If she'd like a professional opinion on her specific situation, give us a call.

Question 16

My dad's Airthings just turned red. He's not sure what to do.

Accepted Answer

Red on the Airthings typically means the reading has crossed the alert threshold - often around the EPA action level. Tell him to check the actual pCi/L value to understand the severity. Then encourage him to call a licensed radon mitigator. This isn't a panic - it's a signal to act. The fix is established and effective. Give us a call if he wants to talk through what mitigation would involve.

Question 17

My friend shared her Airthings dashboard with me and it shows 4.1 pCi/L in her basement. Should she be worried?

Accepted Answer

4.1 pCi/L is just above the EPA action level. She should take it seriously. "Worried" isn't the most useful frame - "act" is. The fix is real, the installation is typically one day, and the system runs continuously afterward. Encourage her to get an in-person evaluation from a licensed mitigator to confirm the reading with a professional test and understand what mitigation would involve for her home.

Question 18

My sister-in-law's Airthings shows 2.7 pCi/L. She asked me if she should get a mitigation system.

Accepted Answer

At 2.7 pCi/L, the EPA says consider mitigation - not required, but not ignore it either. The right answer depends on a few factors: Does she spend a lot of time in the basement? Do children sleep or play there? Is it a bedroom or finished living space? The more time people spend in that air, the more relevant the reading is. A conversation with a mitigator would help her understand whether her specific situation warrants action now or monitoring.

Question 19

My grandma's Airthings alarm went off. She panicked. What should I tell her?

Accepted Answer

Tell her to take a breath. The alarm going off means radon has risen above the alert threshold - it's information, not a crisis requiring immediate evacuation. The risk from radon is cumulative over years, not acute from a few days or weeks. Help her note the reading on the display. Encourage her to call a mitigator for an in-person evaluation. We'd be happy to talk with her or her family directly. Radon is fixable.

Question 20

My aunt has been showing me screenshots of her Airthings and the graph keeps going up. Should she be concerned?

Accepted Answer

If the trend has been consistently upward over weeks or months, and especially if the long-term average is approaching or above 4.0 pCi/L, it's time to act. A rising trend in a sealed home in winter is normal, but if the baseline keeps rising over months, something may have changed - a new entry point, a sump issue, or seasonal changes settling in. Encourage her to call a mitigator for an evaluation before the reading climbs further.

Question 21

My neighbor called me because her Airthings just hit 5.0 pCi/L for the first time. What should I tell her?

Accepted Answer

Tell her 5.0 pCi/L is above the EPA action level and worth addressing. It's not a same-day emergency, but it's a call to a mitigator this week. Radon is a long-term risk - the fix is real and it works. If she wants help finding a licensed mitigator or has questions about what the process looks like, we're here to help.

Question 22

My friend's Airthings is showing 8.3 pCi/L and they live in a finished basement. What should I tell them?

Accepted Answer

8.3 pCi/L is more than twice the EPA action level. Living in a finished basement at that level is a significant long-term exposure concern. They should contact a licensed radon mitigator this week - not in a panic, but with urgency. A mitigation system can bring this down dramatically in a short time. If they have questions or want to understand the process, give us a call.

Question 23

My coworker is freaking out because their Airthings went red. I don't know anything about radon - what are the key facts?

Accepted Answer

Key facts you can share: Radon is a naturally occurring gas from soil. It can enter homes through the foundation. Elevated radon over many years increases lung cancer risk. The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. The fix is a mitigation system - a licensed contractor installs a fan and pipe system that vents radon out before it enters the house. It works, it's affordable, and it's a one-day installation. The red on the Airthings means it's time to call a mitigator, not to panic.

Question 24

My uncle installed a radon fan 3 years ago but never tested after installation. His consumer monitor says 1.3 pCi/L. Is that good?

Accepted Answer

1.3 pCi/L is a solid result - near the national average indoor level - and suggests the system is working well. However, he should get a professional post-mitigation test to document the result. Illinois recommends professional post-mitigation testing, and the documentation is valuable if he ever sells the home. Encourage him to schedule a professional test even though the consumer monitor looks good.

Question 25

My sister-in-law said her Airthings long-term average is 3.5 pCi/L and she's been ignoring it for 6 months. What should I tell her?

Accepted Answer

Six months of 3.5 pCi/L is meaningful data. It's below the EPA action level of 4.0, but it's in the range where the EPA says to consider mitigation. If she spends significant time in the basement - working, sleeping, entertaining - the cumulative exposure is real. Encourage her to at least have a conversation with a mitigator to understand her options. It doesn't have to be an immediate decision, but 6 months of 3.5 pCi/L shouldn't just keep being ignored.

Question 26

My dad's RadonEye is 4 years old. He's asking me if he should replace it.

Accepted Answer

At 4 years old, the RadonEye may still be accurate, but it's getting toward the point where comparing against a fresh professional test or a newer device is reasonable - particularly before making any decision. Manufacturer specs generally don't include an exact expiration date, but sensors can drift over time. If your dad is making a mitigation decision based on this reading, a professional test is the right step regardless of the monitor's age.

Question 27

My father-in-law has a radon monitor from the late 1990s. He says it still works. Should he trust it?

Accepted Answer

A monitor from the late 1990s is more than 25 years old. Consumer radon technology has changed significantly. Sensor drift over that time period is a real concern. I wouldn't make any mitigation decision - or any decision not to mitigate - based on a 25-year-old monitor. Strongly recommend a professional test to get a current, reliable reading.

Question 28

My sister is renting an apartment and her landlord put in an Airthings. It shows 4.9 pCi/L. Who is responsible for fixing it?

Accepted Answer

The landlord is in a better position to address this than the tenant. Illinois law around landlord radon obligations is developing, but a documented reading at 4.9 pCi/L - above the EPA action level - creates a reasonable basis for a tenant to request remediation in writing. Your sister should put the request in writing, reference the specific reading, and ask the landlord what their plan is. If the landlord won't act, she can explore tenant rights resources or contact the local health department.

Question 29

My neighbor's RadonEye stopped working. She's asking me what to do in the meantime.

Accepted Answer

She should get a professional short-term radon test - a charcoal canister sent to a lab - as a temporary replacement. Many home improvement stores carry them, or she can order one. This gives her a reliable reading within a week. If her prior readings were elevated, she shouldn't leave the home unmonitored for an extended period. A new consumer monitor is also an option, but a professional test gives her a defensible reading right now.

Question 30

My cousin just moved into a new home and their Ecosense immediately read 4.6 pCi/L. Could the monitor be wrong because it's new?

Accepted Answer

New monitors typically take 24-48 hours to stabilize before their readings are fully reliable. If the Ecosense showed 4.6 in the first hour, that reading may not yet be representative. Give it 48-72 hours and check again. If it's still in the 4.0+ range after a few days, that's worth taking seriously. New homes can absolutely have elevated radon - tight construction and fresh soil contact can mean higher levels initially.

Question 31

My coworker's Ecosense shows 5.5 pCi/L and they've been sitting on it for 3 months. What should I tell them?

Accepted Answer

Three months of data at 5.5 pCi/L is not something to sit on longer. The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L, and 5.5 is meaningfully above it. Three months of hoping it will improve is not a strategy. Encourage them to call a licensed radon mitigator for an evaluation. The fix is real, the installation is one day, and the results are immediate. Give us a call if they have questions.

Question 32

My friend's Ecosense says 3.5 pCi/L but a professional lab test said 5.0 pCi/L. Which one should she trust?

Accepted Answer

The professional test conducted under defined protocol is more defensible for decision-making. Consumer monitors and professional tests can legitimately differ - they're measuring under different conditions. The professional test used closed-building conditions and a calibrated device with lab analysis. If the professional test says 5.0 pCi/L, that's above the EPA action level regardless of what the Ecosense says. Recommend she focus on the professional result.

Question 33

My aunt's Ecosense monitor shows 4.2 pCi/L in her finished basement. She only goes down there occasionally. Does exposure time matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes - exposure time matters significantly. The risk from radon is cumulative - total exposure over time determines lung cancer risk, not just the concentration. If she goes down occasionally, her total exposure is lower than someone who spends 8 hours a day there. Even so, 4.2 pCi/L is above the EPA action level, and mitigation would bring it down regardless of how often she uses the space. If she has family members, guests, or a grandchild who plays down there regularly, that changes the picture.

Question 34

My mother recently lost her RadonEye after moving. What's the risk of not having a monitor?

Accepted Answer

Without a monitor, she has no visibility into current radon levels - particularly important if she's in a new home she hasn't tested before. A professional short-term test is the best first step in a new home. Once she knows the baseline, she can decide whether to buy a new consumer monitor. If the new home hasn't been tested and she's living there without any monitoring, I'd encourage a professional test sooner rather than later.

Question 35

My colleague borrowed a radon monitor from their county health department. Is that accurate?

Accepted Answer

County health departments often lend charcoal canister test kits rather than electronic monitors. If it's a charcoal canister, following the protocol carefully (correct placement, closed-building conditions, minimum exposure time) gives a reliable lab-analyzed result. If it's an electronic monitor, it's likely been handled by multiple borrowers - make sure it's functioning correctly. Either way, it's a reasonable starting point. A charcoal canister from the county is a legitimate way to get a real reading.

Question 36

My brother borrowed a radon monitor from his HOA. Is that trustworthy?

Accepted Answer

HOA-lent monitors are useful if they're maintained and working correctly. The risk with shared consumer monitors is that they may have been placed incorrectly by prior users, had batteries removed and replaced, or drifted if they've been sitting unused. A reading from a borrowed HOA monitor is useful context - not a formal test, but informative. If the reading is elevated, follow up with a professional test for confirmation.

Question 37

My mom's neighbor found radon at 9 pCi/L. My mom hasn't tested her own house. Should she be concerned?

Accepted Answer

One neighbor's elevated reading doesn't automatically mean another neighbor's house has the same level - houses next door can have dramatically different readings based on foundation type, soil conditions, and home construction. But it's a good prompt for her to test. If she hasn't tested recently, now is a good time. Testing is inexpensive and gives her actual information rather than guesswork based on her neighbor's result.

Question 38

My dad is in his 70s and his radon is 5.5 pCi/L. He says he's too old to worry about it. Should I push back?

Accepted Answer

Gently, yes. Radon exposure risk is cumulative - reducing exposure even later in life reduces future risk. A mitigation system lowers the radon immediately and continues working for the life of the home. If your dad is selling the house eventually, a mitigated home with documentation is also a selling asset. Frame it as taking care of the home and reducing ongoing exposure - not as a crisis that demands heroic action.

Question 39

My parents have lived in their house for 40 years and just found out their radon is 6 pCi/L. Is it worth fixing now?

Accepted Answer

Yes - for two reasons. First, reducing exposure going forward benefits anyone who lives in the home, regardless of past exposure. Second, if they intend to stay in the home or eventually sell it, mitigation adds value and removes a buyer concern. The fact that they didn't know sooner isn't unusual - many homeowners haven't tested. What matters now is acting, not looking back.

Question 40

My daughter's boyfriend moved into her basement. The radon is 4.7 pCi/L. Who is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Practically speaking, whoever owns the home is responsible for addressing the radon. 4.7 pCi/L is above the action level for anyone living there, including a newer resident. If your daughter owns the home, mitigation is the right step - not just for the boyfriend but for anyone who spends time in that basement. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss the process.

Question 41

My neighbor used her Airthings as her real estate radon test before listing her house. Is that a valid test?

Accepted Answer

In Illinois, no. A consumer Airthings monitor doesn't satisfy the state's real estate radon testing requirement. The test must be conducted by a licensed radon measurement professional using calibrated equipment under closed-building conditions. A buyer's agent should reject an Airthings reading as the formal test documentation. This protects both the buyer and the seller - if the buyer waived a proper test and radon comes up later, the documentation gap creates problems.

Question 42

My realtor is using an Airthings as the radon test for the home I'm buying. Should I accept that?

Accepted Answer

No - request a proper licensed radon measurement test. In Illinois, the required test must be conducted by a licensed professional with proper equipment and protocol. An Airthings consumer monitor placed by a realtor does not meet this standard. It's a reasonable and common request, and any reputable realtor should understand and accommodate it.

Question 43

My friend told me her Airthings has been at 4.2 pCi/L for 6 months. She keeps saying "it's under 4.5 so it's fine." Is she wrong?

Accepted Answer

The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L, not 4.5. She's above it. 4.2 for 6 months is meaningful sustained elevated exposure. Encourage her to look at the EPA guidance directly - the recommendation is to fix at 4.0 and above. "Under 4.5" isn't a standard; 4.0 is the threshold the EPA uses. She should consult a mitigator.

Question 44

My home inspector said radon can be fixed easily. Is that accurate to tell buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes - radon is one of the more reliably solvable home issues. A sub-slab depressurization system is a proven technology with a strong track record. Most homes can be mitigated in one day. Post-mitigation testing confirms the result. Even so, "easy" can mean different things depending on foundation complexity - some homes are more straightforward than others. The honest framing is: it's fixable, it works, and results can be confirmed.

Question 45

My friend's inspector told her the RadonEye she saw at inspection was "professional grade." Is that true?

Accepted Answer

No. RadonEye is a consumer-grade device. Professional-grade continuous radon monitors (CRMs) used in formal testing - devices like Sun Nuclear models or similar - have different specifications, calibration requirements, and chain-of-custody documentation. RadonEye is a quality consumer monitor, but calling it "professional grade" in the context of real estate testing standards is inaccurate.

Question 46

My mother said her new Airthings "doesn't work" because it's showing a reading when she thought radon shouldn't be in her house. Is she misunderstanding something?

Accepted Answer

Yes - radon is naturally present in almost every home. The national average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. A reading near that number doesn't mean something is wrong - it means the monitor is working and detecting the naturally present background level. A new Airthings showing 1.0-1.5 pCi/L in the first few days is probably doing exactly what it should. Explain that the question is whether the level is elevated beyond normal, not whether any radon exists at all.

Question 47

My landlord says radon is my responsibility as the tenant. Is that true in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Illinois law on tenant radon responsibility is nuanced. While there isn't a blanket statute that always places the obligation on the landlord, landlords do have general habitability responsibilities. A documented reading at or above 4.0 pCi/L is a reasonable basis for requesting that the landlord address the issue. Recommend putting the request in writing. If the landlord refuses, Illinois tenant rights organizations can provide guidance on your specific situation and lease terms.

Question 48

My sister-in-law uses a RadonEye to check homes she's considering buying before making offers. Is that useful?

Accepted Answer

As a preliminary screening tool, yes - a quick RadonEye check can give early information. But it's not a substitute for a formal licensed test during the inspection contingency period. Real estate decisions in Illinois should be based on a test conducted by a licensed professional under protocol. Using a RadonEye before making an offer is informative; using it instead of a proper test is not adequate for a real estate transaction.

Question 49

My elderly neighbor got a reading of 7.0 pCi/L and doesn't have family nearby to help. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Call a licensed radon mitigator directly - that's the right professional for this situation. If she's not comfortable making that call alone, a neighbor, community organization, or local senior services program might be able to help her navigate it. The installation itself is straightforward and doesn't require her to do anything complex - the contractor does the work. If she'd like to call us, we're happy to walk her through the process in plain terms.

Question 50

My dad's friend installed their own radon mitigation system from a YouTube video. Now the consumer monitor shows 1.5 pCi/L. Did it work?

Accepted Answer

If the reading dropped significantly from a higher level and has stayed consistently around 1.5 pCi/L, the system may well be doing something useful. However, a DIY installation that hasn't been inspected may have safety issues (improper sealing, wrong fan size, non-compliant pipe routing). Illinois requires a post-mitigation test by a licensed professional - a DIY system wouldn't satisfy that requirement without the professional test. And if radon comes back later, there's no warranty. A professional can evaluate whether the DIY system is properly installed.

Question 51

My aunt has shown me a screenshot of her Airthings reading 4.5 pCi/L. She's asking me what to do.

Accepted Answer

Tell her: 4.5 pCi/L is above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, and the EPA recommends fixing the home at this level. The solution is a radon mitigation system - a licensed contractor installs a fan and venting system in one day, and levels typically drop significantly within 24-48 hours of the system starting. She should call a licensed radon mitigator for an in-home evaluation. We're happy to help if she's in our area.

Question 52

My friend says they tested their house with a charcoal canister from Home Depot and it came back at 3.2 pCi/L. Is that accurate?

Accepted Answer

A charcoal canister test from a home improvement store can be accurate if placed correctly (lowest occupied area, proper height, closed-building conditions for the required duration) and mailed to the lab promptly. 3.2 pCi/L is below the 4.0 action level but in the range where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. For a purchasing decision or a formal real estate requirement, a test by a licensed professional is better. For general awareness, a carefully done DIY canister test is informative.

Question 53

My neighbor said their radon system was put in by a handyman, not a licensed contractor. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Yes - in Illinois, radon mitigation systems must be installed by a licensed radon mitigation professional. A handyman installation may not be correctly designed, may not comply with Illinois standards, and won't include the required documentation for post-mitigation testing. If the neighbor ever sells the home, the lack of a licensed installation can create complications. A licensed contractor can evaluate the existing system and certify it if it's properly installed, or identify what would need to change.

Question 54

My sister's Airthings is reading 6.5 pCi/L and she keeps saying she's going to "get around to" calling someone. How do I encourage her?

Accepted Answer

Frame it concretely: at 6.5 pCi/L, the EPA says fix this. Every month that passes is more exposure for everyone in the home. The installation takes one day. It works. She'll feel better knowing the number is going down. Help her make the call if you can - sometimes it just takes someone saying "let's schedule this" to move it forward.

Question 55

My cousin says he's going to seal the basement cracks himself to fix the radon problem. Is that the right approach?

Accepted Answer

Crack sealing alone is not effective radon mitigation. Radon enters through many pathways - cracks, porous concrete, pipe penetrations, sump pits. Sealing visible cracks may modestly reduce entry but won't reliably keep radon below the action level. Sub-slab depressurization (a radon fan system) is the proven, standard approach because it creates negative pressure below the slab that prevents radon from entering regardless of where the cracks are. Sealing without depressurization is an incomplete fix.

Question 56

My neighbor wants to "air out" her basement for a month to solve the radon problem. Is that a solution?

Accepted Answer

Ventilation will lower readings while the windows are open, but it's not a solution. When the windows close in winter, radon returns. This approach also isn't compatible with normal living - no one wants to leave basement windows open all winter in Illinois. A mitigation system is designed to continuously prevent radon from entering, not just dilute it after it does. Encourage her to consult a licensed mitigator for the appropriate fix.

Question 57

My sister said she read online that plants in the basement reduce radon. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

No - plants don't reduce radon. This is a common misconception. Radon is a radioactive gas that plants do not absorb or neutralize. Some plants improve oxygen levels or filter certain VOCs in the air, but none affect radon. The only approaches that meaningfully reduce radon are mitigation (sub-slab depressurization) and ventilation. Don't tell her to skip mitigation based on a houseplant claim.

Question 58

My elderly parents said a home warranty company told them radon is covered. I'm skeptical.

Accepted Answer

Home warranties vary widely in what they cover, and most standard home warranties do not cover radon mitigation systems or testing. If the warranty company told your parents it's covered, get that in writing - specifically what is covered and under what conditions. Radon mitigation is generally not a warranty claim item. If they're relying on a warranty to address an elevated radon reading, verify the terms carefully before counting on it.

Question 59

My sister's home inspector is telling her that 3.8 pCi/L is "basically fine." Is that accurate?

Accepted Answer

3.8 pCi/L is below the EPA action level of 4.0, but the EPA also says to consider mitigation in the 2.0-4.0 range. "Basically fine" minimizes a real reading. If your sister spends meaningful time in the basement - especially if there are children involved - 3.8 pCi/L merits at least a conversation with a mitigator, not dismissal. The inspector's job is home inspection, not radon risk communication.

Question 60

My aunt's landlord claims he's "not responsible" for radon because it's a natural occurrence.

Accepted Answer

The natural origin of radon doesn't eliminate a landlord's responsibility to maintain habitable premises. A tenant with documented elevated radon and an unresponsive landlord has options - a written demand letter, the local health department, or consultation with a tenant rights organization. "It's natural" is not a legal defense for an uninhabitable living condition.

Question 61

My brother-in-law tested his basement and got 2.9 pCi/L. He says that's the end of it - under 4, no action. Should I say something?

Accepted Answer

The EPA guidance says 2.0-4.0 pCi/L is worth considering mitigation. Whether action makes sense at 2.9 depends on how the space is used, whether children spend time there, and how long he's been living there. It's his call, but the "under 4, no problem" framing overstates the clean divide. 4.0 is the action level, not a magic threshold below which there's zero risk. A conversation rather than a lecture - but worth raising.

Question 62

My coworker borrowed a "professional radon monitor" from a friend who does home inspections. The reading was 4.8. Should my coworker trust it?

Accepted Answer

If the device the inspector friend used is actually a professional CRM (continuous radon monitor), it may be more precise than a consumer monitor. But for a valid reading, placement and conditions matter as much as the device. If it was placed correctly under closed-building conditions for an appropriate duration, the reading is meaningful. 4.8 pCi/L is above the action level - regardless of which device type was used, that reading warrants professional attention.