🧵 Part 1: What Every Homeowner Should Know About Radon (But Most Don’t)
Hey folks — I’ve spent the last 6 months diving deep into radon — how it gets into homes, how dangerous it really is, and what people can do about it. What I found was surprising, even as someone who thought I “kinda knew the basics.”
Here’s what you really need to know:
🧠 Radon Is the #1 Cause of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers
Let that sink in.
More than secondhand smoke. More than air pollution.
If you’ve never smoked and still want to protect your lungs — radon is the invisible, radioactive gas you need to care about.
It comes from uranium breaking down in the soil beneath your house. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it — but it’s real, and it’s all over the U.S.
🏠 1 in 15 Homes in the U.S. Has Elevated Radon Levels
Even in places you wouldn’t expect. People think radon is just a Midwest thing. Not true. I’ve seen high radon readings in Florida, California, Utah, and North Carolina. It depends more on the geology under your home than your zip code.
If you have a basement or crawl space, your risk is even higher.
🚨 Most People Only Learn About Radon During a Home Sale
By then, it’s almost too late. Either you’re:
- Scrambling to fix a surprise issue during escrow,
- Or you’ve lived in it for 10+ years with no idea you were breathing radioactive gas.
Don’t wait for a real estate agent to be the one to tell you radon is a problem.
✅ Here’s What to Do (Simple Version):
- Get a Radon Test Kit – They’re cheap and easy. Under $20 in most states. Or book a pro for $150–$250.
- Check the EPA Map – [Link here] – but still test, even if your area is “low risk.”
- Install a Mitigation System if levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher – it’s a PVC pipe and fan that vents gas from below your slab.
🧰 What’s Next in the Series?
I’m writing this as part of a larger series to break down the full radon journey for homeowners, pros, and even real estate agents:
- Part 2: How to Test Your Home for Radon (DIY vs. Pro)
- Part 3: What Happens During Radon Mitigation (Behind the Scenes)
- Part 4: Radon and Real Estate — What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
- Part 5: Radon Myths That Need to Die (No, Opening a Window Doesn’t Fix It)
If you’re serious about protecting your home and family (or just want to know how to avoid surprises during a home inspection), follow along. I’ll share everything I’ve learned.
Have questions about radon? Drop them below — I’ll answer as many as I can.