Is radon really a big deal, or is this overblown?
It’s not overblown — it’s the EPA and U.S. Surgeon General’s official position that radon causes more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the U.S., making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among people who’ve never smoked. The reason it doesn’t get talked about as much as, say, smoking, is that you can’t see, smell, or taste it — it only shows up on a test.
What radon level is considered dangerous?
The EPA’s official action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Above that, mitigation is recommended. For context, homes in Tippecanoe County average around 15 pCi/L — well above that threshold — because of the limestone and glacial soil the area sits on.
How do I know if my home has a radon problem?
The only way to know is to test. Symptoms don’t exist — radon exposure doesn’t cause headaches, nausea, or anything you’d notice day to day. It’s a long-term lung cancer risk, not an acute illness.
I already had a radon test when I bought my house. Do I need another one?
Probably, eventually. Radon levels fluctuate with the seasons, ground moisture, and even how tightly a house is sealed — a test from years ago, or one done during a different season, may not reflect current levels. Most professionals recommend retesting every two years, or after any major renovation that changes airflow or foundation seals.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover radon mitigation?
Generally, no — radon mitigation is considered a home improvement, not damage repair, so most standard homeowner’s policies don’t cover it. Some home warranty plans or real estate closing negotiations may help offset the cost; that’s worth asking about directly if you’re mid-transaction.
I’m selling my house. Do I have to disclose radon?
If you know about a radon problem, yes. Indiana’s Seller’s Residential Real Estate Sales Disclosure form (required under Indiana Code 32-21-5) requires you to disclose known hazardous conditions, including radon. You’re not required to test before selling, but if you have test results, they need to be disclosed.
Will a radon mitigation system hurt my home’s resale value or look ugly?
Most systems are a single PVC pipe running along an inconspicuous wall or through a closet, painted to match if requested, with a small fan usually mounted in the attic or on an exterior wall. Most buyers view an existing, working mitigation system as a plus — it means the radon issue is already handled, rather than something they’ll have to deal with after closing.
How long does mitigation take and will it disrupt my house?
Most jobs are done in a single day. There’s some noise from coring the slab (similar to light drilling) but it’s not an invasive renovation — no walls are opened up, and the house is fully livable during and after installation.
Is the person doing this work actually qualified?
They should be. Indiana requires anyone performing radon testing or mitigation on residential property to be licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health, which in turn requires certification through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Always ask to see a license before hiring anyone for this work.
What’s the difference between a short-term and long-term radon test?
A short-term test (2–90 days, most commonly 2–7 days) gives a quick snapshot and is what’s typically used during a real estate transaction. A long-term test (more than 90 days) gives a more accurate picture of your year-round average, since radon levels shift with seasons. If a short-term test comes back elevated, a mitigation decision is often made without waiting on a long-term test, especially in a time-sensitive home sale.
Greater Lafayette Radon 