Fixing Problems

Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk, but the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your home.

Most radon problems occur in homes from the entry of soil gases from soil beneath the home. Radon is generated in the soil beneath the home, and the suction exerted on permeable soil causes the radon to enter the home. A variety of methods are used to reduce radon in your home. In most cases, simple systems using pipes and fans may be used to reduce radon levels. Such systems are called "sub-slab depressurization," and do not require major changes to your home. These systems remove radon gas from below the concrete floor and the foundation before it can enter the home. Similar systems can also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. Radon contractors may use other methods or a combination of methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.

Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.

Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. Two organizations maintain professional listings of radon service providers who had specific training and/or passed a written test on reducing radon in homes or other buildings: the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). The Alabama Radon Program can provide lists of those who are certified by these organizations. Picking someone to fix your radon problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home repairs - you should request references and obtain more than one estimate.

The cost of making repairs to reduce radon depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs like painting or having a new hot water heater installed. The average house costs about $1,200 for a contractor to fix, although this can range from about $500 to about $2,500.

You should also test your home again after it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced. Most radon reduction systems include a monitor that will alert you if the system needs servicing. In addition, it's a good idea to retest your home sometime in the future to be sure radon levels remain low.

Radon Service Providers List

• Radon Service Providers Certified Through NRPP
• Radon Service Providers Certified Through NRSB
• American National Standards Institute Mitigation Standards (To purchase the ASTM E2121 document)
• ARRST National Radon Proficiency Program
• National Radon Safety Board

Information on Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)

• EPA RRNC Information

Radon Supply Companies

• AccuStar Labs
• AirChek, Inc.
• Femto-Tech, Inc.
• Infiltec Inc.
• Professional Discount Supply
• RAdata
• Radalink, Inc.
• Radon Control Inc. (RCI)
• Radon Supplies NA
• Radon Survey Systems, Inc.
• Radon Testing Corporation of America

Measurement and Mitigation Training Centers

• AccuStar's Training Program
• Certi Radon Education and Support
• American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologists
• National Radon Safety Board
• Radalink, Inc.