Radon in Homes: Why You Should Test and How Portable Radon Detectors Help
By Bumang Meheshu | 13 Oct, 2025 |
Category:
Sensors & Detectors
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes unnoticed. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which makes it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Despite its invisible nature, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, making awareness and testing essential for every homeowner.
Understanding radon and the tools available to monitor it can help you protect your family and make informed decisions about your living environment. This article explains how radon enters homes, why testing is necessary, and how portable radon detectors like Airthings provide reliable, ongoing monitoring.
By the end, you'll know practical ways to test for radon and reduce your home's risk, giving you peace of mind.
1. What is Radon and Why It Matters
Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can accumulate in buildings, particularly basements and lower levels, as it rises from the ground through cracks and gaps in foundations.
Even low-level exposure over time can be dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer cases annually. Testing is the only way to know if your home's radon levels are safe.
Radon safety tip: Homes with basements or built on uranium-rich soil should be tested more frequently, ideally once a year or after major renovations.
For guidance on installing detectors in different rooms, see our gas detector placement guide.
Even low-level exposure over time can be dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer cases annually. Testing is the only way to know if your home's radon levels are safe.
Radon safety tip: Homes with basements or built on uranium-rich soil should be tested more frequently, ideally once a year or after major renovations.
For guidance on installing detectors in different rooms, see our gas detector placement guide.
2. How Radon Enters Your Home
Radon typically enters through:
- Foundation cracks: Small cracks or gaps in walls and floors allow radon to seep in.
- Construction joints: Spaces between slabs, crawl spaces, or wall-floor connections can be entry points.
- Water sources: Wells and some water supplies can carry radon into the home.
- Gaps around pipes: Openings around plumbing and utility lines allow radon to flow indoors.
The gas naturally moves upward, so basements, crawlspaces, and ground-level rooms are most affected. Homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency can sometimes trap radon inside, increasing exposure.
3. The Importance of Testing for Radon
You can't see or smell radon, so testing is the only way to know your home's risk. Testing helps you:
- Identify problem areas where radon levels are elevated.
- Take corrective action through ventilation improvements or mitigation systems.
- Protect your family from long-term health risks.
Testing is simple, affordable, and often the first step toward safer living. It's recommended for every home, regardless of age or location, as radon levels can vary even between neighboring properties.
4. Short-Term vs Long-Term Radon Testing
There are two main approaches to radon testing:
Short-term tests:
Short-term tests:
- Last from a few days to 90 days.
- Useful for initial screening.
- Portable radon detectors often fall in this category.
Long-term tests:
- Last more than 90 days, up to a year.
- Provide a more accurate picture of year-round exposure.
- Useful in homes where radon levels fluctuate seasonally.
Quick note: Portable radon detectors combine the convenience of short-term testing with continuous monitoring, alerting you if levels rise unexpectedly.
5. How Portable Radon Detectors Work
Modern portable radon monitors, like Airthings Home Radon Detectors, use advanced sensors to provide real-time readings of radon levels.
Key features:
Key features:
- Continuous monitoring: Alerts you when radon exceeds safe limits.
- Ease of use: Plug-in or battery-operated devices that require minimal setup.
- Data tracking: Many devices sync with mobile apps to show historical trends and notifications.
- Multi-location testing: Portable detectors can be moved around your home to identify hotspots.
Pro tip: Place portable detectors in basements, bedrooms, or living areas for comprehensive coverage. Avoid placing near windows, vents, or appliances that may interfere with readings.
6. Practical Radon Safety Tips
- Test your home at least once a year or after major renovations.
- Use portable radon detectors for continuous awareness.
- Seal cracks in foundations and floors to reduce gas entry.
- Consider professional mitigation systems if radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L, the EPA’s recommended action level.
- Keep track of historical readings to monitor seasonal or yearly fluctuations.
Common mistake: Ignoring small cracks or gaps: radon can enter through the tiniest openings, so sealing alone is often insufficient without testing.
7. Placement Tips for Portable Radon Monitors
- Basements: Most radon enters through the ground, so basements are critical spots.
- Living spaces: Place detectors in rooms where family spends most of their time.
- Avoid obstructions: Keep devices away from direct sunlight, heaters, or ventilation ducts.
- Stable surfaces: Place detectors on a flat surface at least a few feet above the floor for optimal readings.
Pro tip: Some models allow moving between rooms to identify radon hotspots, helping prioritize mitigation efforts.
8. Choosing the Right Radon Detector for Your Home
- For beginners: Simple, plug-in detectors provide quick readings and app-based tracking.
- For detailed monitoring: Devices like Airthings Home Radon Detector track trends over time and send notifications.
- Budget-friendly options: Short-term kits are affordable and easy to use for initial testing.
The key is regular monitoring. Even low initial readings can increase over time, so having a portable detector gives peace of mind and early warning.
9. Final Thoughts
Radon is an invisible hazard that deserves attention in every home. Testing with a portable radon detector allows homeowners to identify risks, take action, and monitor levels continuously. By combining annual testing, practical mitigation, and smart sensor technology, you can significantly reduce your family's exposure and improve long-term health safety.
Consistent monitoring and simple preventive steps transform radon from a hidden threat into a manageable concern. Every home deserves this level of awareness and protection.
Consistent monitoring and simple preventive steps transform radon from a hidden threat into a manageable concern. Every home deserves this level of awareness and protection.