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Step 1 — Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It

Radon is a long-term health risk, not an emergency. The danger comes from years of exposure, not days or weeks. That said, the EPA recommends taking action at 4 pCi/L or above, and also recommends considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L because there is no known safe level.

Your next move depends on what kind of test you took and how high your result was.

Step 2 — Confirm Your Result

If you used a short-term test kit (2–7 days), your result is a snapshot, not a long-term average. Radon levels fluctuate daily and seasonally, so one test isn’t the full picture.

What to do:

If your result was between 4 and 8 pCi/L: Run a second short-term test or ideally a long-term test (90+ days) to confirm.

If your result was above 8 pCi/L: You can skip the confirmation step and move straight to hiring a mitigation contractor. At levels this high, the risk is clear.

If you used a consumer digital monitor: The CRCPD advises that consumer monitors should not be used to make mitigation decisions. Confirm your reading with a lab-analyzed test kit before committing to mitigation.

Recommended Confirmation Test Kits

First Alert RD1 (~$15) — Quick, affordable, EPA-listed lab. Find on Amazon

AccuStar Short-Term Kit (~$39) — NRPP-certified lab. Find on Amazon

Radonova Radtrak3 (~$60) — Long-term test, most accurate over 90 days. Find on Amazon

For a full comparison of test kits, see our guide: Best Radon Test Kits for Home Buyers

Step 3 — Understand Your Options

Once elevated radon is confirmed, you have two main paths:

Hire a Certified Mitigation Contractor (Recommended)

The most effective and permanent solution is a professionally installed radon mitigation system. The most common type is sub-slab depressurization — a pipe and fan system that pulls radon from beneath your foundation and vents it safely outside.

Key facts:

• Typical cost: $800 to $1,500 for a standard system
• Installation time: Usually 1 day
• Effectiveness: Reduces radon levels by 80–99% in most homes
• After installation, most homes drop to below 2 pCi/L

Always hire contractors certified by NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB (National Radon Safety Board). Your state radon office also maintains lists of certified professionals.

For more details on how mitigation works: How Radon Mitigation Works

For cost details: Radon Mitigation Cost Guide

Short-Term Steps While You Wait

If you’re waiting for a contractor appointment or confirmation test results:

• Increase ventilation in lower levels by opening windows when weather permits
• Seal visible cracks in basement floors and walls
• Avoid spending extended time in the lowest level of your home
• Do not rely on ventilation alone as a permanent fix — it reduces levels temporarily but does not solve the problem

Step 4 — Get Matched with a Certified Pro

We connect Maryland and Pennsylvania homeowners with certified radon mitigation professionals. Your information goes to one provider only — no spam, no competing calls.

Not sure what to do? Our radon mitigation decision guide walks you through exactly when mitigation is recommended based on your test results.

What happens after you submit? A certified radon professional will call you within 15 minutes during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM). If you submit after hours, expect a call by 8:30 AM the next business day. Your information is sent to one provider only. No obligation. No spam. No runaround.

Need immediate help? Call or text us: (240) 397-6515

Step 5 — Monitor After Mitigation

After your mitigation system is installed, don’t just assume it’s working. Systems can degrade over time — fans can fail, seals can crack, and home renovations can change radon entry points.

The EPA recommends retesting every 2 years, and after any major renovation. A continuous monitor gives you 24/7 visibility so you know immediately if levels rise.

Recommended Monitors

Airthings Corentium Home 2 (~$180) — Buy direct from Airthings with code RADONSAFETY-10OFF at discount.airthings.com. Also available on Amazon.

SunRADON Lüft — Wi-Fi enabled with app monitoring and alerts. Designed to pair with radon mitigation systems. (~$169–$199)

Buy from SunRADON — use code HEALTHYAIR for a discount

Airthings View Plus (~$330) — Full air quality suite with WiFi. Buy direct from Airthings or on Amazon.

For a full comparison: Best Radon Monitors for Homeowners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is radon an emergency?

No. Radon is a long-term health risk from prolonged exposure over years, not days. You have time to confirm your results and hire a qualified contractor. But don’t delay indefinitely — the sooner you mitigate, the sooner your exposure drops.

How high is too high?

The EPA recommends action at 4 pCi/L or above. They also recommend considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L. There is no known safe level of radon exposure, but the health risk increases with both the level and the duration of exposure.

Will mitigation definitely fix the problem?

In the vast majority of homes, yes. A properly installed sub-slab depressurization system reduces radon levels by 80–99%. Most homes drop to below 2 pCi/L after mitigation.

How much does mitigation cost?

Typically $800 to $1,500 for a standard residential system. Cost varies by foundation type, home size, and location. See our full cost breakdown at Radon Mitigation Cost Guide.

Can I do it myself?

The EPA recommends hiring a certified professional. DIY mitigation is possible but not recommended — improper installation can fail to reduce levels or create new problems. Always use NRPP or NRSB certified contractors.

Should I sell my house if radon is high?

No. Nearly any home with elevated radon can be effectively mitigated. A mitigation system is a standard home improvement, not a reason to sell. Many homes with mitigation systems sell without issue — buyers appreciate knowing the problem was professionally addressed.

RadonSafetyGuide.com is an independent resource that connects homeowners with certified radon professionals. We are not a radon mitigation company. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in the Airthings affiliate program.