What Is Radon and Why Should Utahns Care?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But it can collect inside homes and cause serious health problems.
In Utah, radon is a major health concern. Why? Because our geography and home construction styles create a perfect environment for radon to build up indoors.
How Bad Is the Radon Problem in Utah?
According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality:
- Over 1 in 3 Utah homes test above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
- Some counties have homes testing over 20 pCi/L—5x the safe limit.
- The risk is especially high along the Wasatch Front, including:
- Salt Lake City
- Ogden
- Provo
- Park City
- Heber
- Logan
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.—and the #1 cause among non-smokers.
Why Utah Homes Are So Vulnerable
Several local factors contribute to the radon problem:
- Mountainous terrain rich in uranium-containing rock
- Basements and crawl spaces that act like vacuums for radon
- Cold winters, when homes are sealed up tight, trapping radon inside
- Soil pressure pushing radon gas upward into foundation cracks
How to Know If Your Home Has a Radon Problem
The only way to know is to test.
You can’t detect radon without a test kit or monitor. It doesn’t matter if your home is new or old—any house can have high radon levels.
Signs You Should Test:
- You’ve never tested your home before
- Your home has a basement or sits on soil
- You live in a high-risk zip code (most of Utah!)
- You’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home
How to Fix a Radon Problem in Utah
The solution is radon mitigation—a system designed to safely vent radon gas out of your home.
Here’s how it works:
- Radon fan system pulls gas from below your foundation
- PVC piping vents radon up through your attic or side wall
- Exit point sends radon gas above the roofline where it disperses safely
Systems typically cost $1,200–$2,000 and can be installed in a day.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
- DIY radon kits are available and cheaper, but best for handy homeowners with basic knowledge of HVAC and construction
- Professionally installed systems are more efficient and come with warranties
- Either way—testing is the first step
Take Action with Radon Quote
Radon Quote makes it simple for Utah residents to:
- Submit their test results
- Get a custom mitigation quote
- Order a radon fan system or mitigation kit delivered fast
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Symptoms
Radon doesn’t cause headaches or nausea like carbon monoxide—it builds up over years, quietly increasing your cancer risk. That’s why testing is critical and mitigation is worth it.
Start Here
Already tested for radon? Submit your info and get a quote for a radon mitigation kit designed for your home in Utah.
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