Understanding Radon: What it is, why it matters, and how to stay safe

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste — yet it can have a serious impact on your health if it builds up indoors. It’s formed when uranium, a metal found naturally in soil and rock, breaks down over time and releases radioactive particles. These particles can move upward through the ground and enter the air we breathe. Because radon has no color, odor, or taste, it’s impossible to detect without proper testing. You could live for years in a home with high radon levels and never know it. That’s what makes radon such a silent risk — and why awareness and testing are so important.

How radon gets into buildings

Radon seeps into buildings from the ground beneath them. It travels through small cracks in foundations, floor joints, pipes, drains, or even porous building materials. Once inside, the gas can accumulate, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Basements, crawl spaces, and ground-floor rooms tend to have the highest concentrations since they are closest to the soil. However, radon doesn’t stay confined to the lower levels — it can spread through the entire building via air movement and ventilation systems. Every building is different, and even two neighboring houses can show very different radon levels. Factors such as soil type, construction design, insulation, and ventilation all influence how much radon accumulates indoors.

Radon is everywhere — but not always dangerous

It’s important to understand that radon is a natural part of the environment. It’s present in outdoor air everywhere in the world, typically at very low levels — usually around 5–15 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic meter). These levels are considered harmless because outdoor air quickly disperses the gas.

The problem arises when radon becomes trapped indoors, where it can reach much higher concentrations. Long-term exposure to elevated levels is what poses a risk to health.

Measuring Radon: units and safe levels

Radon concentration is measured in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). Health authorities around the world have established guidelines for when to take action:

• Below 100 Bq/m³: Generally considered safe.
• 100–200 Bq/m³: Action is recommended to reduce levels.
• Above 200 Bq/m³: Mitigation is strongly advised.

In Norway, the recommended action level is 100 Bq/m³, with mitigation required at 200 Bq/m³ or higher. Similar limits apply in other European countries.

Knowing these numbers helps put testing results into perspective and guides your next steps if elevated radon levels are found.

Seasonal and geographic variations

Radon levels can change throughout the year. They often rise in winter, when windows and doors are closed and ventilation is reduced. Changes in air pressure, humidity, and temperature can also influence how radon moves through soil and buildings.

Geology plays a major role as well. Regions with uranium-rich bedrock or granite soil tend to have naturally higher radon potential. This means even energy-efficient or newly built homes in such areas can be affected — radon doesn’t discriminate by age, style, or size of a building.

Why testing is essential

Because you can’t detect radon with your senses, testing is the only reliable way to know if your indoor air is safe. The good news is that radon testing is simple, affordable, and accurate.

There are two main types of tests:

• Short-term tests measure radon levels over a few days or weeks and give a quick snapshot.
• Long-term tests run for several months and provide a more reliable average, accounting for seasonal variations.

Find out more about our radon test kits here: https://itrust-radontest.com/radon-test-kits/

Professional radon measurement services can also perform certified tests using specialized equipment — ideal for workplaces, schools, or real estate transactions.

Read more about how to testing radon here: https://itrust-radontest.com/

 How to reduce radon levels

If your test shows high radon levels, there’s no need to panic. Effective solutions exist, and many are straightforward. The most common method is installing a radon mitigation system, which uses a small fan and ventilation pipes to draw radon from beneath the foundation and release it safely outdoors.

Other strategies include:

• Sealing visible cracks or gaps in floors and walls.
• Improving ventilation, especially in basements or crawl spaces.
• Adjusting air pressure inside the building to prevent radon from entering.

With professional help, it’s often possible to reduce radon levels by up to 90%, making your home or workplace safe again.

Radon in workplaces and public buildings

Radon isn’t just a residential concern — it’s also a workplace safety issue. Employees who spend long hours indoors may be exposed to the same risks as homeowners.

In many countries, employers are legally required to measure radon levels in certain types of buildings, such as offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. If levels exceed the recommended limits, action must be taken to protect staff and visitors.

Health effects of Radon exposure

Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer. When inhaled, radon’s radioactive particles become trapped in the lungs, where they emit small bursts of radiation that can damage lung tissue over time.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Smokers exposed to radon face an even higher combined risk. However, even non-smokers can be affected — which is why testing and mitigation are important for everyone, not just those who smoking.

Taking action: A small step for a healthier home

Radon is invisible, but the solution is clear. Testing your home or workplace gives you knowledge and peace of mind. If high levels are found, modern mitigation techniques can make your indoor air safe within days.

By taking the time to measure and address radon, you’re protecting not only your health but also your family, employees, and future generations.

Don’t guess — test!

Radon is natural, but exposure is optional. Order a radon test kit today and take the first step toward a safer, healthier indoor environment.

Common Questions & answers about Radon

1.I have a new home – do I still have to worry?
New or energy-efficient homes can actually trap more radon because they’re built to be airtight. Testing is always necessary.

2.Can air purifiers or plants remove radon?
Unfortunately, no. Radon is a gas — only proper ventilation or mitigation systems can reduce its concentration.

3. Is Radon testing complicated and expensive?
Today’s radon tests are simple, reliable, and affordable. You can order a kit online or    contact a certified testing provider to handle everything for you.