Radon is a silent intruder—odorless, invisible, and deadly over time. If you’ve been putting off radon testing, it’s time to reconsider. Every day you delay adds to your family’s exposure. While there’s no need to panic, understanding the urgency around radon helps you act with clarity and confidence. The good news? Testing is easy, affordable, and the first step toward a safer home.
Why the Answer Is “Now”
Radon exposure doesn’t feel like anything at first. There are no short-term symptoms, but long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind smoking.
Here’s what makes radon testing urgent:
- Exposure is continuous in homes that haven’t been tested or mitigated.
- Damage is cumulative—the longer the exposure, the higher the cancer risk.
- Children are especially vulnerable, with developing lungs and longer life expectancy.
If your home has never been tested—or it’s been more than two years—it’s time to act.
What “Safe Radon Levels” Really Mean
The EPA defines an action level of 4 pCi/L, meaning levels at or above this threshold should be mitigated. But research shows that even lower levels carry risk.
- At 4 pCi/L, the risk is similar to smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day.
- At 2 pCi/L, the cancer risk is still significant—about 4 in 1,000 for non-smokers.
- The World Health Organization recommends mitigation at 2.7 pCi/L.
In short: there is no truly “safe” level of radon—just safer levels. The goal is always to reduce indoor levels as much as possible.
When to Test (and Retest)
Radon levels aren’t fixed—they can shift with seasons, home updates, or even neighborhood construction. Here’s when to schedule radon testing:
- Immediately, if your home has never been tested.
- Every 2 years as part of your regular home maintenance.
- After renovations, HVAC changes, or if you finish a basement.
- Before or after buying/selling a home.
- If a nearby home has elevated radon, yours might, too.
Pro tip: Winter is the best time to test because homes are closed up, and readings tend to be higher.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Choosing the Right Test
There are two main types of radon tests:
- Short-term test (2–7 days) – Fast results, ideal for quick screening.
- Long-term test (3–12 months) – More accurate, especially for homes with variable conditions.
You can use a DIY test kit from a hardware store or hire a certified professional for more reliable, court-admissible results.
Costs, Timing, and Property Impacts
Radon testing is a small investment compared to the risks and potential health costs:
- DIY kits: $15–$50
- Professional testing: $150–$500
- Mitigation system: ~$2,000 (and lowers radon by up to 99%)
For homeowners planning to sell, addressing radon early prevents delays, price drops, or rushed last-minute installations.
South Dakota: Elevated and Urgent
South Dakota’s average radon level is 9.6 pCi/L—more than double the EPA action level. Nearly 60% of tested homes show elevated levels, and some homes in the Black Hills region exceed 100 pCi/L.
Cold winters and energy-tight buildings can trap radon indoors for months, increasing risk. That’s why every home in South Dakota—new or old—should be tested regularly.
Take the First Step Toward Safer Air
There are no alarms for radon. No beeping detectors, no flashing lights. Just the quiet risk of exposure—until you test.
- Confirm your levels.
- Mitigate if needed.
- Retest every few years to stay safe.
Radon doesn’t wait. Neither should you. Get a same-week radon test on the books—start here.