Confused About Radon?​

You’re not alone. With an increased focus on radon in Utah, families often receive mixed, inaccurate, emotionally charged messages about what to do with radon.
​Radon Navigator™ provides fact‑based, not fear‑based, radon guidance. We’re not a mitigation company and we’re not affiliated with one. We help Utah families understand radon with clear steps, calm explanations, and practical tools — no fear, no pressure, no sales agenda.

Welcome to Radon Navigator™ 

A calm place to understand radon and make decisions at your own pace.
Radon Navigator is an independent radon guidance program created by the Utah Radon Coalition, a501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting Utah families with radon issues since 2012.  
From our experience, we know few Utah families are aware of or test for radon, and if they are aware or have tested, it is likely through mitigation companies that sell and install mitigation systems, many who use fear-based language and hard-sell tactics. 
Our only goal is to give families trustworthy, evidence‑based guidance grounded in national radon testing and mitigation standards. To that point, here is some of what we want you to know:
  • Radon is a real health risk, but it does not require panic, same‑day decisions, or high‑pressure sales tactics. You have time to understand your situation and choose the right path. Click here to learn more about radon.​
​
  • ​A radon test result is the only way to know your home’s radon level and your long‑term risk. We recommend testing however our recommendation is to either buy a test or look for a free test from a health-based organization, not a mitigator. Click here to learn more about testing and order a free test.
 
  • ​In the United States, the national mitigation threshold is 4.0 pCi/L, not 2.7 pCi/L, despite what some radon contractors imply. 
​
  • A radon mitigation bid must be created with an in-person inspection of your home. A mitigation system cannot be priced accurately from photos, phone calls, or “flat‑rate” pricing. Click here to learn more about mitigation bids.
 
  • A mitigation bid is not a contract. Require both if you are seeking mitigation. Click here to learn more about radon contracts.
​
  • Radon mitigation is a construction project. Click here to learn the pros and cons about mitigation.
A good radon decision is evidence‑based, calm, and free from pressure. In addition to the information above, we have created interactive tools to assist with your decision. 
Based on the radon levels in your home, the tools illustrate:​
  •  your radon risk
  • ​an interpretation of what national standards indicate you should do with that risk
  • radon options based on risk data and suggested actions
  • ​a tool that illustrates the pros and cons of mitigation. ​
Working together the tools facilitate an informed, evidence-based radon decision.  Click below to enter the decision-making pathway.

​About Radon

A plain‑language grounding in what radon is and why it matters.
What radon is
Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in the soil beneath homes. You can’t see or smell it, and it doesn’t come from anything inside your house. Most homes have some level of radon simply because it’s part of the natural environment.
What national standards say
In the United States, the national mitigation level is 4.0 pCi/L. This is the level at which EPA and national radon organizations recommend mitigation starts. It is not 2.7 pCi/L, despite what some radon contractors imply. Knowing the actual standard helps you understand your result without unnecessary alarm.
Why radon matters
Radon matters because breathing elevated levels over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer. EPA risk estimates are based on a lifetime of exposure—defined as seventy years—which means radon is a long‑term consideration, not an emergency and you always have time to make a thoughtful decision.
Where to go next
​The buttons below lead to additional information that can increase your understanding of radon and how it fits in your decision to mitigate, or not.

About Radon Mitigation

​What mitigation is, what it involves, and how to recognize a proper mitigation process.
​If you choose to mitigate, the process should be clear, standards‑aligned, and pressure‑free. A qualified contractor must visit your home in person before giving a meaningful bid. This diagnostic visit identifies your foundation type, soil‑gas entry points, and the best way to design a system that works for your home.
A proper mitigation bid explains the system design, materials, routing, discharge location, warranty terms, and total cost. A bid is not the same as contract, and homeowners should never be asked to sign a bid in place of a contract.
A radon system is successful only when the post‑mitigation test confirms that levels have been reduced.

About the Mitigation Decision

How to think through the decision calmly and confidently.
​Deciding whether to mitigate is a personal, long‑term decision. It depends on your radon level, how long you plan to stay in the home, your comfort with long‑term exposure, and what feels right for your family. National standards provide guidance, but your values and priorities matter too.
A good radon decision is evidence‑based, calm, and free from pressure. You never need to decide on the spot, and you never need to respond to fear‑based language. The goal is to understand your options clearly so you can choose the path that fits your home and your comfort level.
Step 1 

Check Your Radon Risk

​Radon risk is often described by the EPA, radon mitigators, and others using dramatic comparisons that can make the numbers sound scarier than they are. 
This tool uses the same EPA estimates—just translated into plain percentages and odds—so you can understand the risk without fear or pressure.

The risk numbers in this tool come from studies of miners who were exposed to radon for many years and later died from lung cancer. Scientists used those results to estimate how many people out of 1,000 might die from lung cancer if they lived in a home with a certain radon level for their whole life. The EPA defines a lifetime as 70 years of breathing the same air in the same house.

4.0 pCi/L

Never-smoker

Number of people in 1,000 that would die from lung cancer if exposed to radon for a lifetime at this level
7 in 1000
Percentage
0.7%
Odds
1 in 143

Smoker

Number of people in 1,000 that would die from lung cancer if exposed to radon for a lifetime at this level
62 in 1000
Percentage
6.2%
Odds
1 in 15

What this means for you

  • These numbers reflect decades of exposure, not days or weeks
  • Short-term spikes do not create sudden danger
  • You can take your time to make a calm, informed decision
  • Reducing radon can lower this long-term risk even further
An ​Interactive Radon Guidance Tool Developed by the Radon Navigator™ Program.
​© 2026 Radon Navigator™ Program. All rights reserved.

2- Understanding Your Radon Level

A clear, easy‑to‑read interpretation of your radon number.
​This interactive tool provides an interpretation of your radon level based on national radon standards.

What Your Radon Level Means

A quick, level‑only interpretation of your radon result.

Your selected level: 4.0 pCi/L
048121620
EPA Action Level (4.0 pCi/L)
Low
0–1.9
Moderate
2.0–3.9
Elevated
4.0–7.9
High
8.0–14.9
Very High
15–20

Do any of these apply to your home?

An ​Interactive Radon Guidance Tool Developed by the Radon Navigator™ Program.
​© 2026 Radon Navigator™ Program. All rights reserved.

3- Check Your Radon Options

Test again, mitigate or do nothing? 
An ​Interactive Radon Guidance Tool Developed by the Radon Navigator™ Program.
​© 2026 Radon Navigator™ Program. All rights reserved.

4- Your Home's Radon Profile

A combined summary of radon risk, interpretations, and recommended actions based on your home's radon level.

Radon Level

Risk Tool Level: --

Interpretation Tool Level: --

Decision Tool Test Result: --

1. Mortality Risk Estimate (Based on lifetime exposure at this level)

Never‑smoker:
-- people in group of 1000
Odds: --
Smoker:
-- people in group of 1000
Odds: --

2. Interpretation

—

3. Recommended Action

Recommendation:
--

Why:
--

Additional Notes:
--

Learning about the pros and cons of mitigation is your final step to an informed radon decision.  Clicking below will take you to that step.

5- About Mitigation

The pros and cons of radon mitigation
​Mitigation is a reliable way to reduce radon, but it isn’t a decision you need to rush. Every home, budget, and situation is different, and understanding the pros and cons helps you make a choice that fits your needs—not someone else’s agenda. 
.mitigation-card { height: 460px; }
Click or tap any card to flip it over. Move through them at your own pace — each one highlights a different part of the mitigation experience.

What Mitigation Is

Mitigation reduces radon by creating controlled airflow beneath your home and safely venting it outside. This is the foundation for understanding the tradeoffs in the cards that follow.

What Mitigation Is

A mitigation system uses a fan and sealed piping to draw radon from beneath your home and release it outdoors, preventing it from entering your living space.

Systems are effective, long‑lasting, and work in nearly all home types. They operate continuously and require very little from the homeowner.

Understanding this basic process helps you make sense of the pros and cons in the next cards — and decide whether mitigation feels right for your home.

Cost & Value

Mitigation is a meaningful home upgrade, and understanding typical costs helps you decide whether it feels right for your home.

Cost & Value

Pros

  • Predictable cost range for most homes
  • Long‑term risk reduction for the entire household
  • Increases buyer confidence if you sell your home
  • One‑time installation with minimal ongoing expenses

Cons

  • Upfront cost that may feel significant
  • Extra work (sealing, electrical) can increase price
  • Unexpected conditions in older homes can add complexity

If the cost feels manageable and you value long‑term peace of mind, mitigation is a strong option. If the upfront expense feels heavy right now, it’s reasonable to wait and revisit later.

Effectiveness & Performance

Most systems reduce radon reliably, but performance depends on system design, fan placement, and contractor quality.

Effectiveness & Performance

Pros

  • Highly effective at reducing radon when installed correctly
  • Immediate improvement in radon levels
  • Works continuously without user action
  • Reliable performance in most home types

Cons

  • Quality varies between contractors
  • Poor design can reduce effectiveness
  • Some homes require more complex systems
  • Fans eventually fail and need replacement

If you want a dependable, long‑term solution and are comfortable choosing a qualified contractor, mitigation offers strong performance. If you’re unsure about contractor quality or system complexity, it’s reasonable to pause and gather more clarity.

Noise & Visibility

Fans run continuously, and placement affects how noticeable they are in daily life.

Noise & Visibility

Pros

  • Quiet options available with proper placement
  • Exterior installation reduces indoor noise
  • Consistent operation without user involvement

Cons

  • Some fans are audible, especially in basements
  • Improper placement can create vibration or hum
  • Older homes may transmit sound more easily
  • Fan noise may be noticeable outdoors
  • Some systems require visible exterior piping
  • In some homes, pipes may be visible in finished rooms

If you’re sensitive to noise, placement matters. If a faint hum is acceptable—or if the fan can be placed outside—noise is rarely a dealbreaker.

Maintenance & Longevity

Systems need very little attention, but fans eventually wear out and require replacement.

Maintenance & Longevity

Pros

  • Low maintenance for most systems
  • Simple monitoring with a manometer or indicator
  • Long fan lifespan (often many years)

Cons

  • Fan replacement cost every decade or so
  • Occasional checks to ensure the system is running
  • Weather exposure can shorten fan life

If you’re comfortable with occasional checks and eventual fan replacement, mitigation is easy to maintain. If long‑term upkeep feels burdensome, waiting may be reasonable.

An ​Interactive Radon Guidance Tool Developed by the Radon Navigator™ Program.
​© 2026 Radon Navigator™ Program. All rights reserved.

Ready For Your Next Step?

​You’ve now seen your radon risk, your test result, your options, and what mitigation involves. Most families feel ready to choose their path at this point. Move forward in the way that feels right for your home.
If you’ve decided to mitigate, go to our Mitigation Assistance Pathway.
This pathway provides you with valuable, science-based assistance with every step in the mitigation process.
If you need more help to make your decision, go to our Need More Information section.
This option offers additional clarity, reassurance, and support before you choose your path.

Built For Families. Based On Evidence.

​Radon Navigator™ is designed to protect families, not sell services.
We provide:
  • ​Independent, consumer‑protective guidance
  • Evidence‑based recommendations
  • Transparent, plain‑language explanations
  • No sales, no upselling, no conflict of interest
  • Created specifically for Utah homes and soil conditions