<style>:root{--dark-base:#0D1B2A;--dark-mid:#1B3A4B;--teal:#0EA5A0;--teal-dark:#0C8C88;--teal-bright:#14D4CD;--fog:#D8E8E8;--deep-fog:#C8DCDC;--fog-border:#A8C4C4;--ink:#313743;--ink-soft:#49505f;--muted:#6b7280;--warm:#9A6841;--warm-light:#be7b4c;--serif:"Source Serif 4",Georgia,serif;--sans:Inter,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI",sans-serif}.acv-root .acv-dek{font:500 19px/1.55 var(--sans);color:var(--ink-soft);margin:0 0 14px}.acv-root .acv-dek b{color:var(--teal-dark)}.acv-root .acv-meta{font:600 13px/1.6 var(--sans);color:var(--muted);margin:14px 0 0;text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-meta .acv-chk{color:var(--teal-dark)}.acv-root .acv-glance{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#F0F7F7,#fff);border:1.5px solid var(--fog-border);border-radius:14px;padding:22px 24px;margin:24px 0 0}.acv-root .acv-glance .acv-gt{font:800 12px/1 var(--sans);letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--teal-dark);margin-bottom:14px}.acv-root .acv-glance .acv-item{font:500 15.5px/1.55 var(--sans);color:var(--ink-soft);padding:0 0 10px 26px;position:relative}.acv-root .acv-glance .acv-item:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:2px;top:7px;width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal)}.acv-root .acv-glance .acv-item b{color:var(--ink)}.acv-root .acv-glance .acv-s{color:var(--muted);font-size:12.5px}.acv-root .acv-body{margin-top:30px}.acv-root .acv-body p{font-size:20.5px;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 24px;color:var(--ink-soft)}.acv-root .acv-body p strong{color:var(--ink)}.acv-root .acv-body a{color:var(--teal-dark);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:rgba(14,165,160,.4);text-underline-offset:3px}.acv-root .acv-dropcap:first-letter{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:64px;font-weight:800;color:var(--dark-mid);float:left;line-height:.9;padding:6px 10px 0 0}.acv-root mark{background:linear-gradient(180deg,transparent 55%,rgba(20,212,205,.35) 55%);color:inherit;padding:0 2px}.acv-root .acv-band{margin:56px 0 24px;padding:26px 22px 12px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#F0F7F7,#fff);border-radius:16px}.acv-root .acv-band.acv-hype{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#FAF3EB,#fff)}.acv-root .acv-band .acv-inner{display:flex;gap:18px;align-items:center}.acv-root .acv-band .acv-big{font:900 64px/1 var(--sans);color:var(--deep-fog);flex-shrink:0}.acv-root .acv-band.acv-hype .acv-big{color:#EAD9C6}.acv-root .acv-band .acv-q{font:700 13px/1.4 var(--sans);letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--teal-dark);margin-bottom:6px}.acv-root .acv-band.acv-hype .acv-q{color:var(--warm)}.acv-root .acv-band h3{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:31px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:800;color:var(--ink);margin:0}.acv-root .acv-billboard{background:var(--dark-mid);border-radius:18px;color:#fff;padding:30px 28px;margin:32px 0;text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-billboard .acv-n{font:900 34px/1.2 var(--sans);color:var(--teal-bright);margin-bottom:8px}.acv-root .acv-billboard .acv-d{font:500 16px/1.55 var(--sans);color:#D4E5E5;max-width:480px;margin:0 auto}.acv-root .acv-billboard .acv-c{font:600 12px/1 var(--sans);letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8FB3B3;margin-top:12px}.acv-root figure{margin:32px 0}.acv-root figure img{width:100%;border-radius:16px;display:block}.acv-root figcaption{font:600 13.5px/1.5 var(--sans);color:var(--muted);margin:10px 0 0;text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-pullquote{margin:34px 0;text-align:center;padding:0 10px}.acv-root .acv-pullquote p{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:27px;line-height:1.4;color:var(--dark-mid);font-weight:700;margin:0 0 10px}.acv-root .acv-pullquote .acv-who{font:700 12px/1 var(--sans);letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--warm)}.acv-root .acv-plan{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#fffcf4 0%,#fff8ed 100%);border-left:5px solid var(--teal-dark);border-radius:14px;padding:30px 26px 24px;margin:40px 0 0;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.06)}.acv-root .acv-plan .acv-ptitle{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;font-family:var(--serif);font-size:26px;font-weight:800;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:24px}.acv-root .acv-plan .acv-ptitle .acv-ico{font-size:24px;color:var(--teal-dark)}.acv-root .acv-plan .step{display:flex;gap:16px;margin-bottom:20px;align-items:flex-start}.acv-root .acv-plan .acv-n{min-width:38px;width:38px;height:38px;background:var(--teal-dark);border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font:800 17px/38px var(--sans);text-align:center;flex-shrink:0}.acv-root .acv-plan .sh{font:800 16.5px/1.4 var(--sans);color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:3px}.acv-root .acv-plan .sd{font:400 15px/1.6 var(--sans);color:var(--muted)}.acv-root .acv-plan .acv-pdiv{height:1px;background:#E4DECE;margin:26px 0 22px}.acv-root .acv-calbar{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:12px;width:100%;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--teal-dark),var(--teal));color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:12px;padding:17px 20px;font:700 16px/1.3 var(--sans);cursor:pointer;position:relative;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(12,140,136,.25)}.acv-root .acv-calbar i{font-family:var(--serif);font-style:italic;font-weight:600}.acv-root .acv-calbar .acv-qm{position:absolute;right:14px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.22);font:700 14px/26px var(--sans);text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-opsrow{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:12px;margin-top:14px}@media(max-width:640px){.acv-root .acv-opsrow{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}.acv-root .acv-opsrow button{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:8px;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid var(--teal);color:var(--teal-dark);border-radius:50px;padding:13px 10px;font:700 14px/1 var(--sans);cursor:pointer;transition:background .15s}.acv-root .acv-opsrow button:hover{background:#F0FAFA}.acv-root .acv-capture{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--dark-base),var(--dark-mid));border-radius:18px;padding:32px 30px;margin:50px 0 56px;color:#fff;position:relative;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 16px 40px rgba(13,27,42,.25)}.acv-root .acv-cap-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 200px;gap:26px;align-items:center}@media(max-width:600px){.acv-root .acv-cap-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.acv-root .acv-chartcard{display:none}}.acv-root .acv-capture h4{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:26px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 8px}.acv-root .acv-capture .acv-sub{font:500 15.5px/1.55 var(--sans);color:#C9DDDD;margin:0 0 18px}.acv-root .acv-chartcard{background:#fff;border-radius:8px;padding:14px 13px 12px;box-shadow:0 12px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.38);transform:rotate(2deg)}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-mast{font-family:var(--serif);font-weight:800;font-size:11px;color:var(--dark-base);letter-spacing:.4px;border-bottom:3px solid var(--dark-base);padding-bottom:5px}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-sub{font:800 5.5px/1.4 var(--sans);color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.8px;margin:4px 0 8px}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-h{font:900 7.5px/1 var(--sans);letter-spacing:1px;border-radius:3px;padding:4px 5px;margin-bottom:5px;color:#fff}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-h.acv-ok{background:#2E7D5B}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-h.acv-no{background:#B4533A}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-row{height:9px;border-radius:2px;margin:4px 0}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-row.acv-ok{background:#E3F0E9}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-row.acv-no{background:#F6E7E1}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-row.acv-short{width:70%}.acv-root .acv-chartcard .acv-ch-band{height:16px;border-radius:3px;background:var(--fog);margin-top:9px}.acv-root .cap-state{display:none}.acv-root .acv-capture[data-state="trigger"] .st-trigger{display:block}.acv-root .acv-capture[data-state="form"] .st-form{display:block}.acv-root .acv-capture[data-state="sent"] .st-sent{display:block}.acv-root .acv-bigbtn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;background:var(--teal-bright);color:var(--dark-base);border:none;border-radius:50px;padding:16px 28px;font:800 15.5px/1 var(--sans);cursor:pointer;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(20,212,205,.35)}.acv-root .acv-fine{font:500 12px/1.5 var(--sans);color:#7FA3A3;margin-top:12px}.acv-root .capform{display:flex;gap:10px;max-width:440px}@media(max-width:520px){.acv-root .capform{flex-direction:column}}.acv-root .capform input{flex:1;border:none;border-radius:50px;padding:14px 20px;font:500 15px/1 var(--sans)}.acv-root .capform button{background:var(--teal-bright);color:var(--dark-base);border:none;border-radius:50px;padding:14px 24px;font:800 14px/1 var(--sans);cursor:pointer}.acv-root .acv-sent-check{width:52px;height:52px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-bright);color:var(--dark-base);font:800 26px/52px var(--sans);margin-bottom:12px}.acv-root .dl{display:inline-block;margin-top:6px;color:var(--teal-bright);font:700 15px/1 var(--sans);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;cursor:pointer}.acv-root .acv-sig{margin-top:36px}.acv-root .acv-sig .acv-toyour{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:17px;font-style:italic;color:#777;margin:0 0 8px;padding-left:38px}.acv-root .acv-sig .acv-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px}.acv-root .acv-sig .acv-glyph{width:30px;height:30px;flex-shrink:0}.acv-root .acv-sig .acv-name{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;margin:0;color:var(--ink)}.acv-root .acv-sig .acv-tag{font:700 11px/1 var(--sans);color:var(--warm-light);letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:6px 0 0 40px}.acv-root .acv-trust{margin-top:30px;padding-top:22px;border-top:1px solid #e5e7eb;text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-trust .acv-t{font:700 13px/1 var(--sans);color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:16px}.acv-root .acv-trust a{display:inline-block;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid var(--warm);color:var(--warm);padding:8px 20px;border-radius:20px;font:600 14px/1 var(--sans);text-decoration:none;margin:0 4px 8px}.acv-root .acv-body p.acv-disclaimer{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:16px;font-style:italic;color:#999;margin:24px 0 0;line-height:1.5;text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-faq{margin-top:40px;border-top:1px solid #e5e7eb;padding-top:30px}.acv-root .acv-faq h2{font-family:var(--serif);font-size:23px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 18px}.acv-root .acv-faq details{border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:10px;margin-bottom:10px;overflow:hidden}.acv-root .acv-faq summary{padding:15px 18px;font:700 16px/1.4 var(--sans);cursor:pointer;list-style:none;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px;align-items:center}.acv-root .acv-faq summary:after{content:"\25BE";color:var(--warm)}.acv-root .acv-faq .acv-a{padding:0 18px 16px;font-size:17px;line-height:1.65;color:#555}.acv-root .acv-secondary{margin-top:26px;background:#fff;border:1.5px dashed var(--fog-border);border-radius:12px;padding:18px 20px;text-align:center;font:500 15px/1.6 var(--sans);color:var(--ink-soft)}.acv-root .acv-secondary a{color:var(--teal-dark);font-weight:700}.acv-root .acv-body ol.acv-signlist{list-style:none;margin:0 0 24px;padding:0;counter-reset:sgn}.acv-root .acv-body ol.acv-signlist li{position:relative;padding:0 0 15px 48px;font-size:19px;line-height:1.6;color:var(--ink-soft);counter-increment:sgn}.acv-root .acv-body ol.acv-signlist li:before{content:counter(sgn);position:absolute;left:0;top:1px;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-dark);color:#fff;font:800 15px/32px var(--sans);text-align:center}.acv-root .acv-body ol.acv-signlist li b{color:var(--ink)}.acv-root .acv-opsrow{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}@media(max-width:640px){.acv-root .acv-opsrow{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}</style><div class="acv-root"><p class="acv-dek">CDC lists four steps for finding out whether your home has a radon problem. The gas has no smell and causes no symptoms, so the test is the only signal you get.</p><p class="acv-meta">Ageless Coach Editorial Team · September 4, 2026</p><div class="acv-glance"><div class="acv-gt">In 30 Seconds</div><div class="acv-item"><b>Second leading cause of lung cancer.</b> CDC says radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States after cigarette smoke, and that EPA and the Surgeon General estimate more than 21,000 deaths a year. <span class="acv-s">CDC</span></div><div class="acv-item"><b>Four steps, one kit.</b> CDC lists four: obtain a radon test kit, test your home or office, send the kit to an approved laboratory, and fix your home if levels are high. <span class="acv-s">CDC</span></div><div class="acv-item"><b>A neighbor's result predicts nothing.</b> NCI says homes next door to each other can have different indoor radon levels, which makes a neighbor's test result a poor predictor of your own risk. <span class="acv-s">NCI</span></div></div><div class="acv-body"><p class="acv-dropcap">Testing a home for radon takes four steps, and CDC lists all four.</p><p>Radon is a radioactive gas from the natural decay of uranium in rock and soil. It seeps up through the ground, collects indoors, and the particles it gives off damage the cells lining the lungs.</p><p>Below are the four steps, the number that means fix the house, and why the only test worth anything is the one you run yourself.</p><div class="acv-band"><div class="acv-inner"><div class="acv-big">1</div><div><div class="acv-q">The Steps · 4</div><h3>Four steps between you and an answer</h3></div></div></div><p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/radon/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC</a> lists four steps for measuring and reducing radon. NCI says the tests are relatively easy to use and inexpensive.</p><p>There is no earlier shortcut. Radon has no smell, no color and no taste.</p><ol class="acv-signlist"><li><b>Obtain a radon test kit.</b> CDC says you can contact your state radon office or buy a kit at a hardware store or online. NCI says short term detectors measure radon for 2 to 90 days depending on the device.</li><li><b>Test your home or office.</b> Levels are usually highest in basements and lower floors, so test where you actually spend time. WHO says considerable radon can also be found above the ground floor.</li><li><b>Send the kit to an approved laboratory.</b> The lab reads the detector and returns the level. NCI says both short and long term tests are relatively easy to use and inexpensive.</li><li><b>Fix the home if the level is high.</b> CDC says EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher, and that lowering high radon needs a qualified or state certified contractor.</li></ol><div class="acv-billboard"><div class="acv-n">4 pCi/L</div><div class="acv-d">CDC says EPA recommends fixing your home if radon levels are 4 picocuries per liter of air or higher, and that there is no known safe level of radon.</div><div class="acv-c">Source: CDC</div></div><p>The list does not end at the repair. CDC says to test radon levels again afterwards to be sure the work did what it was meant to do.</p><p>Reducing radon helps even below the action level, CDC says, because there is no level that counts as safe.</p><div class="acv-band"><div class="acv-inner"><div class="acv-big">2</div><div><div class="acv-q">The Numbers</div><h3>What radon actually does, in figures</h3></div></div></div><p><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The National Cancer Institute</a> says radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind cigarette smoking. NCI estimates 15,000 to 22,000 radon related lung cancer deaths each year.</p><p>CDC puts the estimate at more than 21,000 deaths a year, which sits inside that range.</p><figure><img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/32497163/pexels-photo-32497163.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1400&h=560&fit=crop" alt="An older man crouching beside the foundation vent of a shingled house"><figcaption>CDC says radon gets into homes through small cracks or holes, and that basements and lower levels usually hold the highest levels.</figcaption></figure><p>About 1 in 15 US homes is estimated to sit at or above the action level, according to NCI.</p><p>Smoking multiplies the risk rather than adding to it. WHO says smokers are estimated to be 25 times more at risk from radon than nonsmokers.</p><p>Nonsmokers are not spared. NCI says more than 10 percent of radon related cancer deaths occur among people who do not smoke.</p><div class="acv-pullquote"><p>Testing is the only way to know if a person's home has elevated radon levels.</p><div class="acv-who">National Cancer Institute</div></div><div class="acv-capture ac-capture" data-state="trigger" id="cap" data-article-slug="radon-4-steps-to-test-your-home-and-why-a-neighbors-result-means-nothing" data-pdf-url="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69be1026a027224999b7936b/6a9ac0d08a9030890b92b9e6_radon-4-steps-to-test-your-home-and-why-a-neighbors-result-means-nothing-plan.pdf" data-plan-title="The Radon Plan" data-plan-desc="The four steps CDC lists for testing a home, the level that means fix it, the difference between short and long term tests, and the six things not to do. Checked against CDC, the National Cancer Institute and WHO."><div class="st-trigger cap-state"><div class="acv-cap-grid"><div><h4>Take the four steps with you</h4><p class="acv-sub">One printable sheet: the four testing steps, the action level, the short and long term test windows, and what not to do. Free, unlocked right here.</p><button class="acv-bigbtn" type="button" data-cap="form">📄 Print My Plan (Free PDF)</button><div class="acv-fine">Joins the free weekly Ageless Brief. Unsubscribe anytime.</div></div><div class="acv-chartcard" aria-hidden="true"><div class="acv-ch-mast">RADON: FOUR STEPS TO TEST</div><div class="acv-ch-sub">AGELESS COACH · CHECKED AGAINST CDC · NCI · WHO</div><div class="acv-ch-cols"><div class="acv-ch-col"><div class="acv-ch-h acv-ok">✓ DO THIS</div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-ok"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-ok acv-short"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-ok"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-ok acv-short"></div></div><div class="acv-ch-col"><div class="acv-ch-h acv-no">✗ DO NOT</div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-no"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-no acv-short"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-no"></div><div class="acv-ch-row acv-no acv-short"></div></div></div><div class="acv-ch-band"></div></div></div></div><div class="st-form cap-state"><h4>Enter your email to unlock your plan</h4><p class="acv-sub">Your 1-page radon plan, unlocked right here.</p><form class="capform"><input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Your email address" aria-label="Email address" required><button type="submit">Unlock My Plan (Free)</button></form><div class="acv-fine">No spam. One short evidence brief each week. Unsubscribe anytime.</div></div><div class="st-sent cap-state"><div class="acv-sent-check">✓</div><h4>Your plan is ready</h4><p class="acv-sub">Download or print it below. Save it anywhere.</p><a class="dl" href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69be1026a027224999b7936b/6a9ac0d08a9030890b92b9e6_radon-4-steps-to-test-your-home-and-why-a-neighbors-result-means-nothing-plan.pdf" download>⬇ Download your plan (PDF)</a><div class="acv-fine">Your first Ageless Brief arrives this week: one study, translated, no hype.</div></div></div><div class="acv-band"><div class="acv-inner"><div class="acv-big">3</div><div><div class="acv-q">Your House Only</div><h3>Why a neighbor's result predicts nothing</h3></div></div></div><p><a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WHO</a> says four things set the radon level inside a building. The local geology. The routes radon has into the building. The building materials. How fast the indoor air is exchanged with outdoor air.</p><p>Change any one of those four and the number changes.</p><figure><img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/6124239/pexels-photo-6124239.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1400&h=560&fit=crop" alt="A person kneeling beside pink fiberglass insulation in an unfinished wall"><figcaption>WHO says sealing floors and walls and increasing under floor ventilation are among the common ways to lower radon in an existing building.</figcaption></figure><div class="acv-billboard"><div class="acv-n">1 in 15</div><div class="acv-d">NCI says about 1 in 15 US homes is estimated to have radon levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.</div><div class="acv-c">Source: NCI</div></div><p>NCI puts it plainly. Homes next door to each other can have different indoor radon levels. NCI says that makes a neighbor's test result a poor predictor of your risk.</p><p>Levels also move on their own. Rain, snow and barometric pressure shift them day to day and month to month. NCI calls a long term test the better indicator of the average.</p><p>WHO goes further. It prefers measurements over at least three months, and keeps short term tests for time sensitive situations such as a home sale.</p><div class="acv-band acv-hype"><div class="acv-inner"><div class="acv-big">✗</div><div><div class="acv-q">Sorted</div><h3>Three radon beliefs that do not hold</h3></div></div></div><p>Three ideas talk people out of a cheap test, and each one has a published answer.</p><p><strong>New or well sealed homes are safe.</strong> CDC says radon can build up in any home or building. Basement or none. Sealed or drafty. New or old. NCI adds that levels can be higher in homes that are well insulated and tightly sealed.</p><p><strong>No basement, no problem.</strong> Basements and first floors typically have the highest levels because they sit closest to the ground, NCI says. WHO adds that considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor, so the absence of a basement proves nothing.</p><p><strong>Opening the windows fixes it.</strong> CDC says open windows, fans and vents can lower levels. It also says natural ventilation in any type of house is only a temporary strategy. WHO describes sump systems and sealing as the durable fixes.</p><div class="acv-plan ac-plan" id="coach-recommendations"><div class="acv-ptitle"><span class="acv-ico">📋</span>Your Coach's Recommendations</div><div class="step"><div class="acv-n">1</div><div><div class="sh">Test the level you actually live on.</div><div class="sd">CDC says radon builds up in any home, new or old, sealed or drafty, and that levels are often highest in basements and lower floors. Test the room where you spend the most time rather than the one that is easiest to reach.</div></div></div><div class="step"><div class="acv-n">2</div><div><div class="sh">Run a long term test before you decide.</div><div class="sd">NCI says short term detectors measure 2 to 90 days while long term tests average more than 90 days, and that the long term test is the better indicator because levels swing day to day and month to month.</div></div></div><div class="step"><div class="acv-n">3</div><div><div class="sh">Call a certified contractor at 4 pCi/L, then retest.</div><div class="sd">CDC says EPA recommends fixing the home at or above 4 pCi/L, that the repairs need technical knowledge and a qualified professional, and that you should test again afterwards to be sure the work held.</div></div></div><div class="acv-pdiv"></div><button class="acv-calbar" type="button" data-ac-cal>📅 Add <i>Your Coach's Recommendations</i> to Your Calendar <span class="acv-qm">?</span></button><div class="acv-opsrow"><button type="button" data-ac-share>⇮ Share</button><button type="button" data-ac-savepdf>📄 Save PDF</button><button type="button" data-ac-print>🖨 Print</button></div></div><div class="acv-sig"><p class="acv-toyour">To your health,</p><div class="acv-row"><svg class="acv-glyph" viewBox="0 0 40 40" aria-hidden="true"><circle cx="20" cy="20" r="18" fill="none" stroke="#0D1B2A" stroke-width="3"/><path d="M13 28 L20 11 L27 28 M16 22 H24" fill="none" stroke="#0D1B2A" stroke-width="3" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"/></svg><p class="acv-name">Ageless Coach</p></div><p class="acv-tag">Age Strong. Live Long.</p></div><div class="acv-trust"><div class="acv-t">Trusted Sources Behind This Article</div><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/radon/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC</a><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCI</a><a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WHO</a></div><p class="acv-disclaimer">This article is education, not medical advice. CDC says testing is the only way to know whether a home has unsafe radon levels, and that homes at or above 4 pCi/L should be fixed by a qualified or state certified contractor, with a repeat test afterwards. Ageless Coach is an affiliate partner and may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page.</p><div class="acv-faq"><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><details><summary>How do I test my home for radon?</summary><div class="acv-a">CDC lists four steps: get a test kit, test your home or office, send the kit to an approved laboratory, and fix the home if levels are high. You can get a kit from your state radon office, a hardware store or online.</div></details><details><summary>What radon level means I should act?</summary><div class="acv-a">CDC says EPA recommends fixing your home if radon levels are 4 picocuries per liter of air or higher. CDC also says there is no known safe level, so reducing radon below that figure still lowers risk.</div></details><details><summary>Should I use a short term or a long term test?</summary><div class="acv-a">NCI says short term detectors run 2 to 90 days and long term tests average more than 90 days, and that a long term test is the better indicator of your average level. WHO prefers at least three months for an annual average.</div></details><details><summary>Does radon matter if nobody in the house smokes?</summary><div class="acv-a">Yes. WHO says smokers are estimated to be 25 times more at risk from radon than nonsmokers, so smoking multiplies the danger, but NCI says more than 10 percent of radon related cancer deaths occur among nonsmokers.</div></details><details><summary>Can I just seal the cracks myself?</summary><div class="acv-a">CDC says lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills, and to rely on a qualified professional for the repairs. Sealing cracks is on its list of supporting steps, not a substitute for a proper fix.</div></details><details><summary>Is a radon problem a reason not to buy a house?</summary><div class="acv-a">Not by itself. CDC says radon resistant construction is almost always cheaper to build into a new home than to add later, and that a home at or above the action level can be fixed by a certified contractor. Test before closing rather than after.</div></details></div><div class="acv-secondary">Wondering where you stand overall? <a href="/#assessment">Take the free 5-minute Healthspan Snapshot</a> and see your strongest and weakest of six dimensions.</div></div></div>
Get Better Health, Weekly