Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of rocks and soil underground. You can’t see, smell, or taste it, but it can build up inside homes—especially in basements or lower levels.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Testing is the only way to know if it’s present, and if levels are high, there are simple ways to reduce it and keep your home safe.

Yes, radon is a concern in southwestern Ohio, including the Miami Valley. The region has naturally higher levels of radon due to the local soil and rock composition, and many homes—especially those with basements—can have elevated levels without showing any signs. Because radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only way to know if it’s present, and addressing it is important for protecting long-term health.

Radon testing is affordable and quick, and if high levels are found, mitigation systems are effective and can significantly reduce your exposure. Since long-term radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, the investment offers peace of mind and helps protect you and your family’s health for years to come.

Detecting radon in a home involves placing a small test device—usually in the lowest livable area—for a set period, typically 2 to 7 days. The device measures radon levels in the air, and after the test period, it’s either sent to a lab or read on-site to determine if levels are safe or if mitigation is needed.

Radon mitigation typically involves installing a vent pipe and fan system that pulls radon gas from beneath the home and safely vents it outside, above the roofline. This prevents the gas from entering the living space and can quickly reduce radon levels to safe amounts.

A home should be retested for radon every few years, or after major renovations, to ensure levels remain safe.

If a mitigation system is installed, it should be monitored regularly to confirm it’s working properly, but additional work is usually not needed unless levels rise again.