What Is Radon? Why Every Tennessee Home Should Be Tested

When people think about hazards in a home, they often picture electrical problems, mold, or water damage. But one of the most significant health risks is something you can't see, smell, or taste.

It's called radon.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced as uranium breaks down in the soil and rock beneath the earth's surface. As it forms, it can travel through the ground and enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation.

Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, there are no warning signs that radon is present. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing.

Does My Home Have to Have a Basement?

No.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about radon.

Many homeowners assume only homes with basements are at risk. In reality, radon can enter any type of home, including:

• Homes with basements

• Homes with crawl spaces

• Slab-on-grade homes

Even newly constructed homes can have elevated radon levels.

The type of foundation does not determine whether a home will have radon. What matters most is the soil beneath the home and the pathways available for radon to enter.

Why Radon Matters

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.

Because radon exposure occurs over many years, homeowners often have no idea they are being exposed.

The good news is that testing is straightforward, and elevated radon levels can usually be reduced through proven mitigation methods.

What About Maury County?

Here in Maury County, Tennessee, radon is not uncommon.

Our area falls within EPA Radon Zone 1, which indicates the highest potential for elevated indoor radon levels. Some testing in the Columbia area has found average radon levels well above the EPA's recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

That doesn't mean every home has elevated radon—but it does mean every home should be considered a candidate for testing.

My Neighbor Tested Low. Am I Safe?

Not necessarily.

One of the unique characteristics of radon is that two homes built side-by-side can have very different radon levels.

Differences in:

• Soil conditions

• Foundation construction

• Cracks and openings

• Air pressure inside the home

• HVAC operation

can all affect how much radon enters a home.

Your neighbor's results do not predict yours.

When Should You Test?

The EPA recommends testing:

• When purchasing a home

• Before major renovations

• After installing a mitigation system

• Every few years, or whenever significant structural changes are made

If your home has never been tested, now is an excellent time to establish a baseline.

How Is Radon Tested?

At Brink Inspections, we use professional continuous radon monitoring equipment that measures radon levels over approximately 48 hours.

The monitor records hourly readings, providing a detailed picture of radon levels throughout the testing period.

Professional testing helps ensure accurate results and provides the information needed to determine whether further action is recommended.

The Bottom Line

Radon is one of the few home hazards that gives no warning signs.

You can't see it.

You can't smell it.

You can't taste it.

But you can test for it.

Whether your home has a basement, crawl space, or is built on a concrete slab, the only way to know your radon level is through professional testing.

Knowing your home's radon level is a simple step that can provide valuable peace of mind for you and your family.