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 decisions should feel clear, calm, and free from pressure. Radon Navigator was created to give families trustworthy, evidence‑based guidance grounded in national radon testing and mitigation standards. We don’t sell mitigation systems, and we don’t use fear‑based language, our only goal is to help you understand your radon level and decide what feels right for your home.
You’ll find three paths below. Each one offers practical, standards‑aligned information to help you move forward at your own pace.
Choose the topic that matches where you are in the process.

Radon Knowledge for Every Household

​Radon guidance based on science, evidence, and national radon testing and mitigation standards.
Radon decisions should be clear, calm, and pressure free.
​Radon-induced lung cancer is a long‑term exposure risk, not an emergency. You never need to make a same‑day decision, sign a contract on the spot, or respond to fear‑based language. Good decisions come from understanding your test result, knowing what national standards actually say, and taking your time.
​What your radon level really means
​The national mitigation level in the United States is 4.0 pCi/L. This is the level at which EPA and national radon organizations recommend mitigation. It is not 2.7 pCi/L, and no contractor should imply otherwise.
​A simple way to interpret your result:
  • Below 2.0 pCi/L — Low; most families monitor.
  • 2.0–4.0 pCi/L — Moderate; mitigation is optional and based on comfort.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L — Elevated; mitigation is recommended.
​​ Radon risk increases gradually with concentration and time. It’s real, but it’s manageable — and you have time to make a thoughtful choice.
​If you choose to mitigate, here’s what must happen
​A real bid requires an in‑person inspection
National ANSI/AARST standards require a contractor to visit your home before designing a system or giving a meaningful price.  
This visit should include:
  • Identifying your foundation type
  • Checking for soil‑gas entry points
  • Evaluating the slab or crawlspace
  • Planning suction points and pipe routing
  • Ensuring the discharge point will be safe and compliant
  • Checking combustion appliances for backdrafting risk
​Phone‑only bids, photo‑based bids, and flat‑rate “one‑size‑fits‑all” systems do not meet national standards.
What a proper bid includes
​A standards‑aligned bid should clearly describe:
  • Diagnostic findings from the site visit
  • The proposed system design (fan, pipe size, suction points, routing)
  • The discharge location and safety clearances
  • Warranty terms
  • Total cost, including electrical work if needed
  • A plan for post‑mitigation testing
​If a bid doesn’t explain the system, it isn’t a real bid.
​What a proper contract includes
​A contract is not the same as a bid. A proper contract protects the homeowner and ensures the system installed matches the system promised.
​A complete contract includes:
  • Final scope of work
  • Materials and equipment
  • Warranty terms
  • Exclusions and limitations
  • Payment schedule
  • Start and completion dates
  • Cleanup responsibilities
  • Contractor license and insurance
Homeowners should never be asked to sign a bid in place of a contract.
​After installation
​A qualified contractor must: 
  • Perform a post‑mitigation test
  • Provide written results
  • Show you how to check the system monitor
  • Ensure the discharge point meets safety requirements
A radon system is successful only when the post‑test confirms it.
​Bringing it together
The most important things to remember are:
  • Radon is a long‑term risk, not an emergency.
  • The national mitigation level is 4.0 pCi/L.
  • Contractors must not use “danger” language to pressure homeowners.
  • A real bid requires an in‑person diagnostic evaluation.
  • A proper contract—not a bid—defines the work.
  • Post‑mitigation testing is required to confirm the system works.​
Use the links below for additional Information

About Radon Navigator™

​Your pathway to clear, evidence-based radon decisions
Why Radon Navigator™ exists
​Families deserve clear, trustworthy information about radon. Radon messaging has shifted over the years, and much of it has become more alarming than informative. 
​Two patterns show up again and again:
  • fear‑first public‑health campaigns that rely on alarming language or imagery
  • industry‑driven testing and advice from companies that profit from mitigation, sometimes recommending fixes even when levels are below the U.S. action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
Some companies even alter laboratory test reports by adding frightening language that does not appear in the original lab results.
Others have begun using the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2.7 pCi/L reference level as if it were a U.S. mitigation threshold, which it is not. ​
​These patterns have real consequences. Families sometimes spend money on unnecessary mitigation, and in extreme cases, fear becomes so overwhelming that people leave their homes. One elderly woman even slept in her car despite having a low, non‑urgent radon level.
This misalignment with national standards is a main reason Radon Navigator™ was created. 
What Radon Navigator™ offers
​Navigator was created to provide something different: clear, neutral, evidence‑grounded guidance so you can protect your home and peace of mind without pressure, urgency, or upselling.
How we support you
​​Whether you’re learning about radon, interpreting a confusing test result, or preparing to hire a mitigator, the Navigator adapts to your situation. Every step is designed to reduce pressure, avoid fear‑based messaging, and help you make confident, informed decisions.
​Whether you’re learning about radon, interpreting a confusing test result, or preparing to hire a mitigator, the Navigator adapts to your situation. Every step is designed to reduce pressure, avoid fear‑based messaging, and help you make confident, informed decisions.

How Radon Navigator™ Works

How Radon Navigator™ Works
​Radon Navigator™ is a step‑by‑step system with two clear pathways. Each pathway is broken into simple, numbered steps so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Your decision‑making pathway
​This pathway helps you understand radon so you can make informed decisions. It includes:
1.  Understanding radon
2. Testing for radon
3. Checking your radon risk
4. Understanding your radon level
5. Your radon options
6. About mitigation
​These guides give you the context and evidence you need to make a confident decision about radon in your home.
Your action pathway
​This pathway helps you take the right steps if mitigation is needed. It covers:
1. Getting bids
2. Comparing bids
3. Hiring a contractor and contracts
4. Installation
5. Post‑mitigation testing
6. Troubleshooting
​This pathway supports you through the mitigation process—from getting bids to confirming the work was done correctly.
Click below to enter the Radon Navigator™ 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.
How to make sense of your own level
Understanding what radon is and how it behaves helps you make sense of the radon level in your house and decide what, if anything, to do about it. Most families use this information to consider whether mitigation makes sense for their home now, later, or not at all.
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.

Testing For Radon

Testing for radon is straightforward and inexpensive, and having a test result makes it easier to use our tools and understand your options. A short‑term test gives you a clear starting point.
​Why testing matters
​Because radon can’t be seen or smelled, a test result is the only way to know your home’s radon level. Once you have that number you can use our interactive tools that help you understand your long‑term risk, explore your options, and decide whether mitigation is right for your home.
Haven't tested
​You can buy short‑ or long‑term tests online, at hardware stores, or through public health programs. 
Many public health programs and nonprofits offer free short‑term tests.
Some mitigation companies also provide free tests; however, it’s generally better to get a test from a neutral source. 
​If you haven’t tested your home—or want to retest—click below for a free test from the Radon Navigator™ program. We are not affiliated with any mitigation company.

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.

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
0246810
EPA Action Level (4.0 pCi/L)

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.

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.

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.

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. 
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.

What Mitigation Is

Mitigation systems use a fan and piping to draw radon from beneath the home and release it outdoors.

They are effective, long‑lasting, and work in nearly all home types.

Cost

What you can expect to pay.

Cost & Value

Pros: Costs range from $1,500 to $2,000 for standard mitigations.

Cons: Complicated mitigation, like that for a crawlspace can cost $3,000 or more.

Effectiveness & Performance

How well systems reduce radon — and why results vary.

Effectiveness

Pros: Reliable reduction, measurable performance, retesting confirms results.

Cons: Some homes need adjustments; older homes may require hybrid systems.

Noise & Visibility

What the system looks and sounds like once installed.

Noise & Visibility

Pros: Many systems can be hidden; fans can be placed for minimal noise.

Cons: Fans produce a steady hum, holes must be drilled in concrete floors and foundations, and some pipes may remain visible in finished rooms.

Maintenance & Longevity

How long systems last and what upkeep looks like.

Maintenance

Pros: Fans last many years; maintenance is minimal.

Cons: Fans eventually need replacement; some systems require checks.

Special Home Situations

Crawlspaces, additions, older homes, and unique layouts.

Special Situations

Pros: Most homes can be mitigated; hybrid systems offer flexibility.

Cons: Crawlspaces require more work; older homes may need sealing.

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.

Need More Information

More ways to get the guidance that feels right for you.
Self-Guided Pathway​
​If you want deeper guidance, our Self‑Guided Pathway walks you through every step — from understanding radon to choosing a contractor with confidence.
One-on-One Personalized Guidance
If you want personalized support, the Navigator team can help you interpret results, compare bids, and understand your options.
Both guidance programs provide independent, evidence-based guidance ​— never sales pressure, never upselling, never conflict of interest.

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