Our Radon Testing and Mitigation Blog

Family checking basement air quality during home radon testing in Idaho Falls

Radon Testing in Idaho Falls: When Should Homeowners Schedule a Test?

Posted on June 1, 2026 by seo@strivemarketing.com

Radon is one of the most important indoor air quality concerns for homeowners in Idaho Falls, yet many people do not know it is present until they test for it. Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it cannot be seen, smelled, or detected without proper testing.

For families, homebuyers, sellers, landlords, and property managers, radon testing in Idaho Falls is a smart step toward understanding whether a home has elevated radon levels. This is especially important in Southeast Idaho, where soil conditions, basements, crawl spaces, and foundation openings can all affect how radon enters a home.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare states that 2 out of 5 Idaho homes have elevated radon levels, and the only way to know a home’s level is to test. Learn more at Idaho radon information.

Why Radon Testing Matters for Idaho Falls Homes

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can move through the ground and enter homes through cracks, gaps, crawl spaces, floor drains, sump openings, and other foundation entry points.

Once radon enters a home, it can build up indoors, especially in lower levels such as basements and crawl spaces. This is why home radon testing in Idaho Falls is important, even if the home looks clean, well-maintained, or recently built.

The EPA explains that testing is the only way to know whether a home has elevated radon levels, and homeowners can use test kits or hire a certified professional to perform the test. For more guidance, visit EPA radon information.

A home may need a radon test in Idaho Falls if:

The home has never been tested before.

The home has a basement, crawl space, or lower living area.

The property is being bought or sold.

Renovations or foundation work were recently completed.

A previous radon test was done several years ago.

A mitigation system is already installed and needs performance verification.

Radon testing is not just for older homes. Newer homes can also have elevated radon levels depending on soil conditions, construction details, ventilation, and foundation design.

When Should Homeowners Schedule Radon Testing?

Homeowners should schedule radon testing in Idaho Falls whenever they need an accurate reading of indoor radon levels. Since radon levels can change over time, testing once does not always mean a home will remain at the same level forever.

Here are the most important times to schedule a professional test.

Before Buying a Home

Radon testing before buying a home is one of the best ways to avoid surprises after closing. A house may look move-in ready, but radon levels cannot be confirmed without testing.

For buyers, professional radon testing in Idaho Falls can help identify whether mitigation should be considered before finalizing the purchase. It can also give buyers confidence that the home’s indoor air quality has been properly evaluated.

Before Selling a Home

Sellers can also benefit from a radon inspection in Idaho Falls before listing. Testing before the home goes on the market can help prevent delays during inspection periods and give potential buyers more confidence.

If results are low, sellers can share that information during the transaction. If results are elevated, they can address the issue before it becomes a negotiation concern.

After Home Renovations or Foundation Work

Radon testing after home renovations is strongly recommended when work affects the foundation, basement, crawl space, HVAC system, flooring, or ventilation. Even changes that improve the home can affect how air moves through the structure.

Examples include:

Basement finishing

Crawl space repairs

Foundation sealing

New flooring installation

HVAC upgrades

Adding living space to a lower level

After these updates, a new radon gas testing Idaho Falls appointment can confirm whether radon levels have changed.

When Using a Basement or Lower Level More Often

Basements are common in Idaho Falls homes, and they are often used as family rooms, bedrooms, offices, rental spaces, or storage areas. Since radon typically enters from the ground, lower levels are often the first place homeowners should test.

If your family spends more time in a basement or lower level, scheduling radon testing for homes in Idaho Falls is a practical step toward understanding the air quality in the areas where people spend the most time.

Every Few Years, Even If a Previous Test Was Low

Radon levels can change due to seasonal shifts, soil movement, home repairs, ventilation changes, and aging foundation materials. That means a low result from years ago does not always guarantee the same level today.

For ongoing peace of mind, homeowners should consider periodic Southeast Idaho radon testing, especially if the home has not been checked in several years.

DIY Radon Testing vs. Professional Radon Testing

Professional radon testing device used for accurate radon testing in Idaho Falls homes

DIY radon test kits can be useful for basic screening, but professional testing provides several advantages when accuracy, documentation, and timing matter.

A DIY kit usually requires the homeowner to place the device, follow instructions carefully, mail the test to a lab, and wait for results. If the kit is moved, exposed to unusual airflow, placed incorrectly, or used during improper conditions, the results may not be as reliable.

Professional testing is different. Teton Radon Services uses CRM and charcoal testing and can provide accurate results within 48 hours. Continuous radon monitor testing can track radon activity over the testing period, helping provide a clearer picture of indoor conditions.

Professional testing is especially helpful for:

Real estate transactions

Homes with basements or crawl spaces

Families are concerned about long-term exposure

Landlords and property managers

Homes with previously elevated results

Post mitigation verification

When results matter, certified radon testing gives homeowners more confidence in the next step.

To schedule local testing, homeowners can visit Teton Radon Services’ radon testing services page.

What Radon Test Results Mean

Radon testing Idaho Falls indoor air quality chart showing radon level indicators

Radon test results are usually measured in picocuries per liter, written as pCi/L. The EPA recommends fixing homes when radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher. The EPA also notes that because there is no known safe level of radon exposure, homeowners may consider fixing homes with levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Here is a simple way to understand results:

Below 2 pCi/L: Generally considered lower, but continued periodic testing is still smart.

Between 2 and 4 pCi/L: Homeowners may want to monitor levels and consider reduction options.

At or above 4 pCi/L: The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels.

If a home has elevated radon levels in Idaho Falls, the next step is not to panic. Radon problems can usually be addressed with a properly designed mitigation system. Teton Radon Services provides radon mitigation in Idaho Falls for homes that need radon reduction.

What Happens If Your Radon Test Comes Back High?

If your test shows elevated radon levels, the first step is to review the result with a qualified radon professional. They can explain what the reading means, whether additional testing is needed, and whether mitigation is recommended.

Radon mitigation systems are designed to reduce radon before it builds up inside the home. Depending on the property, mitigation may involve sub-slab depressurization, crawl space solutions, sealing, ventilation improvements, or other methods based on the home’s structure.

For homes with crawl spaces, encapsulation may also be recommended when the crawl space is contributing to moisture or soil gas movement. Since Teton Radon Services provides testing, mitigation, and crawl space encapsulation across Idaho Falls and Southeast Idaho, homeowners can move from testing to solutions with one local provider.

Schedule Professional Radon Testing in Idaho Falls

Radon is not something homeowners can detect on their own. The home may feel comfortable, look clean, and smell normal, but still have elevated radon levels. That is why radon testing in Idaho Falls is one of the most reliable ways to understand whether your home needs further action.

Whether you are buying a home, selling a property, finishing a basement, updating a crawl space, or simply checking your family’s indoor air quality, Teton Radon Services can help. Their team provides professional radon testing, mitigation, and crawl space encapsulation throughout Idaho Falls and Southeast Idaho.

Schedule professional radon testing with Teton Radon Services to get accurate results and clear next steps for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing in Idaho Falls

When should I test my home for radon?

You should test your home if it has never been tested, if you are buying or selling, after renovations, after foundation or crawl space work, or if your previous test was completed several years ago. Testing is the only reliable way to know whether radon is present at elevated levels.

How often should homeowners test for radon?

Homeowners should consider testing every few years or after major changes to the home. Radon levels can change over time due to soil conditions, ventilation changes, foundation movement, and renovations.

Do homes in Idaho Falls need radon testing?

Yes. Idaho homes can have elevated radon levels, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports that 2 out of 5 Idaho homes have elevated levels. Because radon levels vary from home to home, testing is the only way to know your specific result.

Should I test for radon before buying a home?

Yes. Radon testing before buying a home can help buyers understand whether mitigation may be needed. It is especially useful during inspections because it provides important information before closing.

What radon level is considered dangerous?

The EPA recommends fixing a home when radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher. The EPA also recommends considering action between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L because there is no known safe level of radon exposure.

Can radon levels change over time?

Yes. Radon levels can change because of weather, soil movement, ventilation, remodeling, crawl space conditions, and foundation changes. This is why retesting is recommended even if a previous result was low.

Is professional radon testing better than a DIY test kit?

Professional testing is often better when you need accurate, timely, and properly documented results. DIY kits can be helpful for basic screening, but professional testing reduces placement errors and provides clearer guidance, especially for real estate, renovations, or elevated readings.

What happens if my radon test comes back high?

If your result is high, a radon professional can explain the reading and recommend the next steps. In many cases, a radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce radon levels and improve indoor air quality.

5 Reasons Why You Need To Hire A Radon Testing Expert

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can be traced both in outdoor and indoor environments. While outdoor levels may not pose a serious health hazard, prolonged exposure to high indoor radon levels has been proven to cause lung cancer. Ensuring radon mitigation is crucial for indoor safety.

The only way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the effects of radon gas is to conduct radon testing. However, with the many radon test kits in the market promising you quick results, deciding whether to test radon yourself or hire an expert may weigh heavily on your mind.

In our expert opinion, working with a radon measurement professional has more benefits than doing it yourself.

These benefits are:

1. Accurate Results

When testing for a deadly gas like radon, the test results must be reliable and accurate. A professional radon test kit offers far more reliable results than a DIY kit.

The radon testing expert will consider many factors including your home’s foundation type, the right testing methods, where to place the test, and the weather conditions during the testing period to ensure they give you the most accurate results.

Without considering the variables above, a DIY kit may not give you the accurate results you need.

2. Professional Testing Service

Radon testing experts have the training, experience, and specialized tools to guarantee that testing your home for radon is done right the first time. They rely on their expertise to give you customized service that provides effective results.

For instance, testing for radon in an older home may require different methods from a new construction. Additionally, radon experts stay up-to-date with new best practices and testing techniques to guarantee quality services.

3. Speedy Results

Whether it’s a short-term or long-term test, the contractor lets you know the results as soon as the test is completed. When you test your home’s radon levels yourself, you need to send the kit to a lab and you may have to wait several weeks for the results.

If you require radon testing for a real estate transaction, a radon testing professional typically uses the continuous radon monitor to ensure you get accurate results within 48 – 72 hours.

4. Hassle-Free Testing

DIY radon testing may save you some money. However, as we stated earlier, it’s only accurate if you use it correctly. You need to follow all the instructions precisely which takes time and effort.

Leaving the testing and interpretation of the results to a licensed professional takes less time and is less stressful than doing it on your own.

5. Effective Radon Mitigation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends installing a radon mitigation system for homes with radon levels from 2 – 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter pCi).

If the test results show high levels of radon in your home, you would require a licensed mitigation expert to help you reduce the radon levels. Many radon testing companies can also help with mitigation.

Hiring a radon testing expert makes the mitigation process easier and faster because they already inspected your home and can recommend the best radon mitigation system.

If the results are borderline, they will conduct another short-term test to determine your home’s radon level and the next steps to take.

Contact Teton Radon Services for Efficient Radon Mitigation

For quality radon mitigation services you can trust to bring radon to the lowest levels possible, Contact Teton Radon Services. We have over 15 years of experience conducting accurate radon tests and effective mitigation in the Rocky Mountain Region. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Will Crawl Space Encapsulation Reduce Radon Levels in My Home?

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that poses serious health risks to you and your family. If you have a crawlspace, it’s easy for radon to seep through the soil and accumulate in your indoor air. Many homeowners prefer crawl space encapsulation as a mitigation measure.

But is crawl space encapsulation worth your time? Does it reduce radon levels?

The answer is YES. If done correctly, it reduces radon to the lowest levels possible.

Let’s look at crawl space encapsulation in detail.

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation involves sealing the crawl space with a barrier to prevent radon from migrating through the floorboards and into your living space. The contractors will inspect and clean the space to prepare for encapsulation.

Next, they lay a crosslinked vapor barrier across the crawl space walls and floors and seal it with double-sided tape or spray foam to prevent air leaks. The contractor installs spray foam insulation on cables, pipes, and ducts to seal off the space.

Lastly, they install a perforated pipe under the vapor membrane to draw radon and moisture out with a specialized radon mitigation suction fan.

How Crawl Space Encapsulation Reduces Radon in Your Home

Encapsulating your crawl space prevents radon from seeping through the cracks in the walls, ductwork outlets, and into the living spaces in your home. While the radon is still present in the soil or cracks, it is contained in the vapor barrier and drawn outside before it gets to the crawl space air, thereby reducing radon levels in your entire home.

Typically, the installation is fitted with a system monitor to help you check whether it’s functioning properly. As long as the encapsulated crawl space and the piping stays intact, you never have to worry about radon entering your home.

What If the Levels Are Still High After Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation in itself is not enough to keep radon levels down. it is possible to find high levels of radon in encapsulated crawl spaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests installing a vent and suction fan alongside the encapsulation (as described above) for the most effective results.

Another option would be placing a fan in the crawl space to dilute the radon gas. However, this method can significantly increase your overall crawl space encapsulation cost. Your contractor can also install crawl space vents to reduce radon levels beneath your home. The best practice is to combine the vapor barrier with a mitigation system for effective radon mitigation.

Other Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

Apart from radon mitigation, encapsulating crawl spaces also:

Improves indoor air quality
Inhibits mold growth
Improves energy efficiency
Reduces humidity levels
Inhibits pest infestation

Contact Teton Radon Services for Effective Crawl Space Encapsulation Services

Teton Radon Services is your expert partner for professional crawl space encapsulation services. We have helped many homeowners successfully reduce radon levels through meticulous crawl space encapsulation services for over 15 years, and we can do it for you too. Call us for a free crawl space encapsulation service quote.

Radon Testing: How to Do It Safely

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Teton Radon Services

Are you concerned about radon levels on your property? You are right to be on high alert because high levels of radon can potentially harm your health or delay a property sale. The only way to find out if you have a radon problem on your hands is through proper testing.

Why is Radon Gas Dangerous?

Radon is all around us. But it’s colorless, odorless, and invisible which means it’s undetectable to the naked eye. Radon comes naturally from the breakdown of rocks and soil. In the outdoors, it is generally not a problem as it quickly dilutes to low concentrations.

However, when the radon gas escapes from the soil and enters your home through the cracks in the foundation or electrical and plumbing lines, and accumulates in your indoor air, it poses a high risk to your health.

Prolonged exposure to high radon levels increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke and it’s estimated to be responsible for over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in America every year.

Every home is prone to radon. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in every 15 homes has high radon levels. It can accumulate in any type of home whether old or new, and with or without a basement. Since the levels vary from location to location two neighboring homes can have different radon levels.

That’s why it’s critical to test for radon.

There are two ways you can test for radon. You can do it yourself or hire a professional but the degree of safety varies widely.

DIY Radon Testing

You can purchase a test kit from your local hardware store and use it to determine if there is a radon problem in your property. Placing the test kit on the lowest floor of your home such as the basement or the ground floor for the specified time is the best way to get an accurate reading. Remember to keep the doors and windows closed and off the fans and air conditioners for 12 hours before testing.

However, closing the door and windows as you place the test exposes you to even higher levels of radon making it less than ideal for your long-term health. And with so many steps to follow, it’s easy to skew the test and prolong the mitigation process (where necessary) further exposing you and your loved ones to the harmful gas.

That’s why we highly recommend professional radon testing.

Professional Radon Testing

Engaging a professional is the safest way to test for radon on your property. Radon experts have the training and cutting-edge equipment to conduct the test without compromising your health and safety. Certified professionals use reliable testing instruments like the EPA-calibrated Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) devices to give you prompt and accurate results. A radon expert not only takes the hassle away but also prioritizes your safety at all times.

Contact TRS for Quality Radon Testing Services

For radon testing services you can trust, call Teton Radon Services. We have over 20 years of experience in providing timely and accurate radon testing services for homes, rentals, and commercial properties. Contact us for a free consultation.

Symptoms of Radon Exposure

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is all around us. We breathe it every day. However, since it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, you cannot tell when you are breathing it at high levels. While it hardly poses any danger outdoors, exposure to high indoor radon levels can cause serious health problems.

How Do You Get Exposed to Radon?

The primary source of radon exposure is inhalation. Once formed from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and rocks, the gas comes up through the ground and penetrates indoor spaces through cracks in walls and floors and gaps around service pipes and electrical wires. Over time, radon is trapped in the indoor air and it becomes part of the air you breathe in.

Radon can be present in homes, schools, and workplaces. That said, the rooms closest to the ground including basements, crawl spaces, and ground floor spaces have the highest radon levels.

Symptoms of Radon Exposure

Recent research has shown that the majority of us spend about 90% of our lives indoors which makes radon a serious threat to human health.

When a person is exposed to elevated levels of radon, the radioactive physical particles that result from the decay of radon gas can cause damage to the DNA in the lining of the lungs, which could lead to lung cancer. Lung cancer has a very high mortality rate (75%) so it is important to test your home and reduce the exposure you or family members may have to radon gas.

The primary adverse effect of exposure to high levels of radon is lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and it’s only second to smoking. More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States are traced back to radon exposure. Research has shown that smokers have a 25 times greater risk of lung cancer when exposed to prolonged and elevated radon levels.

The lung cancer symptoms are subtle and may only appear when you are close to or already have cancer.

Here are some of the early lung cancer symptoms to look out for:

Persistent cough
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Coughing up blood
Hoarseness
Chest pain
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent infectious like bronchitis and pneumonia

What To Do if You Notice Radon Poisoning Symptoms

If you notice any potential symptoms of radon exposure, immediately do the following:

1. Visit a Doctor

There are no medical tests to check how much radon you’ve been exposed to, but your healthcare provider can conduct tests and put you on the right treatment.

2. Test Your Home

Testing is the only way to determine how much radon is in your home. Schedule a professional radon test for the most accurate results.

3. Install a Radon Mitigation System

The EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system if your radon levels are above 4pCil/L or higher. The goal is to minimize the levels as much as possible because no level of radon exposure is considered safe.

Reduce Radon Gas With Teton Radon Services

For high-quality residential and commercial radon testing solutions, call Teton Radon Services. With 15 years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we can help you test radon levels on your property in 48 hours and offer guidance on the best mitigation system for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

types of radon mitigation system installation in idaho falls

Types of Radon Mitigation Systems in Idaho Falls and How They Work

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is a Class A carcinogen that puts you and your loved ones at risk of lung cancer if left to accumulate in your indoor air environment. If you have tested your property and found elevated levels of radon, it is critical to commence radon mitigation right away.

In Idaho Falls, property owners have access to several radon mitigation systems. However, it’s essential to understand that your property’s foundational design significantly influences the type of radon mitigation system you’ll install.

Homes With Basements or Slab-on-Grade Foundation

For homes with a basement or slab-on-grade foundation, any of the following radon mitigation systems can help to reduce radon levels.

1. Active Sub-Slab Suction

This is the most effective and highly preferred radon reduction method for many property owners in Idaho Falls. To begin, the first step is installing one or more suction pipes through the floor slab to pull air into the crushed rock or underneath the soil and capture it before it enters the building. Next, a vent fan connected to the suction pipe draws the radon up for safe redistribution outdoors.

2. Passive Sub-Slab Suction

This system is relatively similar to the active sub-slab suction system; however, the only difference is that it depends on natural pressure differentials and air currents instead of a fan to draw the radon from beneath the slab and into the outdoor environment.

3. Sump Pump Suction

In addition to, or moreover, adding a radon suction pipe to the sump pump in the basement and capping it not only drains unwanted water away from the property but also reduces the levels of radon.

4. Block Wall Suction

This is the most preferred system for basement homes with hollow block foundation walls. Firstly, a sub-slab suction is inserted into the hollow walls to draw air, which, in turn, increases pressure on the wall and ground, effectively trapping radon gas.

Homes With Crawl Spaces

These are the most preferred radon mitigation systems for homes with crawl spaces in Idaho Falls.

1. Crawl Space Encapsulation

This method involves air-sealing the crawl space with a high-density sheet to guarantee quality and effectiveness. Additionally, a perforated pipe is installed under the sheet and connected to a suction fan that draws moisture and radon away from the property.

2. Crawl Space Ventilation

Ventilating a crawl space actively, on the other hand, or passively reduces the suction in the soil and dilutes the radon concentration beneath the property. Active ventilation refers to the use of a fan to blow air into the crawl space instead of relying on natural circulation. In contrast, passive ventilation is achieved through opening venting units to allow air circulation.

Get a Quality Radon Mitigation System in Idaho Falls With Teton Radon Services

For a quality radon mitigation system that will provide effective results, look no further than Teton Radon Services. We offer unrivaled radon mitigation services for homes and businesses in Idaho Falls. This process involves installing the right mitigation system based on the property design and remodeling the property’s interiors and exteriors to ensure it blends in perfectly. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What To Do After Exposure to Radon

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

You’ve finally heeded the rallying call to test your home or commercial building for radon. To your surprise, you find that the levels are dangerously high above the recommended EPA exposure levels of 4pCi/L. Now your biggest concern is what steps you need to take now that you may have been exposed to radon.

Fortunately, there are practical measures you can take after exposure to radon.

1. Conduct a Professional Radon Test

Getting a certified radon testing professional to conduct radon testing in your home or commercial space is important to confirm that there is an actual problem. Radon levels tend to fluctuate depending on the weather and seasons and continuous monitoring can help to confirm the extent of exposure to radon.

2. Get a Medical Checkup

Radon is responsible for almost half of all human radiation exposure which can cause serious health complications. When inhaled, the gas decays into solid particles that damage lung tissue, and over time, it could lead to lung cancer.

A healthcare professional will assess you to determine whether you’ve suffered any ill effects due to radon exposure. Some individuals in the population are often at a higher risk of suffering serious health complications. They include:

Pregnant Women
Children
Smokers

If you or any of your family members or employees have acquired a respiratory condition, the healthcare provider may consider further testing or referring them to a specialist for further treatment.

3. Professional Radon Remediation

One of the critical recommendations that the healthcare provider will emphasize is reducing the radon levels in your home or commercial building. Remediation may include DIY tasks like opening windows and doors or installing fans to increase ventilation. But these measures are not enough to guarantee lower radon levels.

The EPA recommends hiring a qualified radon mitigation contractor. A radon professional will install the right mitigation system depending on the size and design of your property. Most radon mitigation systems consist of a fan and a vent pipe that collects the radon gas and directs it outside your property. Radon experts will also undertake other measures such as sealing foundation cracks and any other openings to provide a complete mitigation system that can reduce the radon levels.

4. Fix Your Ground Water System

If you’re concerned about the high levels of radon in your groundwater system such as a private well, you need to fix it as well. A radon expert may suggest installing a point-of-entry mitigation system like a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or an aeration system to remove radon from the water before it enters your property distribution system.

5. Retest Your Property

Radon is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and that’s what makes it extremely dangerous. To keep your loved ones safe from radon exposure, it’s important to install a radon mitigation system. However, even with a mitigation system in place, you need to continue retesting your property to ensure that the radon levels are in the safe range.

Contact Teton Radon Services for Quality Radon Testing Services

For professional radon testing services, contact Teton Radon Services. We have the right knowledge, skills, and cutting-edge equipment to give you the most accurate radon testing possible. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Radon and Children: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed during the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, rocks, and water. Since it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, you may not grasp its gradual but drastic effects on your children’s health.

Yet, this radioactive indoor air pollutant is the second leading cause of cancer and is responsible for 21,000 deaths a year.

To ensure your children grow in a safe environment and go on to become healthy adults, read on to find out everything you need to know about radon.

Where Are Children Exposed to Radon?

Radon gas is prevalent in buildings with fewer storeys including homes, child care centers, and schools. These are all areas where children spend a majority of their lives.

Radon at Homes

1 in every 15 homes has higher radon levels than the EPA recommended action levels of 4pCi/L. And any home can have high levels of radon, whether new or old. The spaces close to the ground typically have the highest radon levels, including the living room where children spend most of their day.

Radon in Schools

The EPA estimates that 1 in every 5 schools has one school room with elevated radon levels and over 70,000 schoolrooms in use today have high short term radon levels.

Radon in Child Care Centers

Child care centers are generally located on the lower floors of a building because they are much safer and easily accessible for children. However, this also means they are more prone to accumulating radon.

How Can You Protect Your Children From Radon?

Test your home. If the levels are higher than 4pCi/L, hire a radon professional to install a mitigation system
Move your children’s playrooms and bedrooms out of the basement
Encourage your neighbors to test their radon levels
Request your child’s school or child care center to test for radon
Educate your child about radon

Contact TRS for Professional Radon Testing Services

For radon testing services you can trust, turn to Teton Radon Services. We are certified radon experts with the latest knowledge and experience that can guarantee your children’s safety. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How to Protect Your Home From Radon

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

We all want to protect our loved ones from any potential threats and radon ticks all the boxes. It’s a silent killer that causes the highest lung cancer cases among non-smokers.

But what can you do when the deadly gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless? The good news is, you can take some smart steps to mitigate this threat.

Here’s what you can do to protect your home from radon.

1. Test Your Home

The first step is to confirm the radon levels in your home by taking a simple radon test. There are two types of radon testing, the short-term which takes 2 to 7 days, and the long-term test takes up to 90 days. Since weather patterns can affect the radon levels, it’s recommended that you use both methods for more accurate results. You can purchase the tests in hardware stores or call a radon expert to conduct a professional test.

2. Install a Mitigation System

The EPA recommends installing a mitigation system for homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or more. You need to hire a radon professional with experience to install a mitigation system that will effectively pull out the radon from your home.

Radon mitigation requires specialized skills and knowledge to guarantee reduced radon levels. Without specialized equipment and installation expertise, you can potentially increase the radon levels or create other costly hazards.

There are several proven methods to remove radon, but the most popular has a vent system and fan. The vent pipe pulls radon from underneath the house and vents it towards the outdoors.

Radon mitigation may involve making slight structural changes depending on the foundational design of your home. For a house with a basement, the suction pipe is connected through the floor slab into the soil but for a house with more than one foundation, the mitigation experts may need to connect multiple systems to achieve the best results.

3. Increase Ventilation

By increasing airflow into your house, you prevent radon accumulation in your indoor air. You can achieve proper ventilation by using fans and opening windows as much as the weather permits.

However, natural ventilation is only part of the radon mitigation measures you can implement easily but a professionally installed mitigation system remains the best way to reduce radon levels in your home.

4. Seal All the Cracks

Sealing cracks on the basement floor and walls with plaster, caulk, or epoxy can help to reduce radon levels as a short-term measure. But remember, even the best sealing efforts can miss hairline cracks that eventually lead to increased radon levels.

5. Retest Your Home

It’s important to retest your home after installing the mitigation system and making other changes to ensure the system is working as expected. The EPA also recommends testing your radon levels every two years as part of a long-term radon mitigation strategy.

Know Your Radon Levels With Teton Radon Services

For professional radon testing services, contact Teton Radon Services. We are NRPP-certified radon experts with over 15 years of experience in radon testing and mitigation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

rooms prone to radon in idaho falls homes

The Rooms Most Prone to Radon in Your Idaho Falls Home

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Teton Radon Services

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is formed from the decay of uranium and radium in rocks and soil. It moves from the ground into buildings through openings such as cracks on walls or floors and accumulates in the indoor environment.

Radon is a highly radioactive gas that’s impossible to detect because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It has far-reaching negative effects on health as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country.

To keep your family safe, it’s important to know the rooms that are more susceptible to radon in your home. This information will help you identify key areas for accurate radon testing and the right interventions you need to improve your indoor air quality.

Basement

Since radon is found in the soil, it’s only natural that the room closest to the ground would be more prone to high radon levels. Some parts of the basement will inevitably come into contact with the soil transferring the gas into the air.

With the low pressure drawing in more air from the rocks and soil into the room and the lack of natural ventilation, the concentration levels can accumulate fast posing a big risk to your health.

Here are some of the ways radon gets into the basement:

Floor-to-wall joints
Cracks in the floor
Gaps in the pipes around the foundation
Concrete foundation
Sump pump pit

Crawl Space

A crawl space that has a dirt floor and is poorly ventilated exposes your home to high levels of radon gas. Since it’s largely unattended, it’s easy to forget about its potential effects on your family’s health. Keep in mind that your crawl space has utility openings that can move radon to your living space.

Cellars

Like basements and crawl spaces, cellars that are built below the ground have cooler temperatures and low natural ventilation making them one of the areas prone to radon.

Modern cellars may have mechanized systems to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation for better functionality, but their location below the ground level would inevitably make them a potential spot for dangerous radon gas accumulation.

Ground floor

The ground floor is close to the spaces below the ground making it one of the rooms most prone to radon in your home. Although the levels may not be as high as the basement or crawl space beneath it, other factors such as the amount of time you spend in the room, weather, temperature, and the level of ventilation increase your risk of exposure.

This is not to say that radon is limited to lower levels only. A recent study has demonstrated the importance of extending radon testing to other floors in a building above the basement and ground floor for better accuracy and mitigation interventions.

Contact TRS for Radon Testing Services You Can Trust

For all your radon concerns in Idaho Falls, contact Teton Radon Services. With our extensive knowledge and cutting-edge technology, we offer superior radon testing services that you can trust to keep your family safe. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.