Question 1

What is radon and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless — making it impossible to detect without testing. Radon seeps into homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and construction joints. The EPA estimates radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Question 2

How do I know if my home has radon?

Accepted Answer

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Options include short-term charcoal canister tests (48–96 hours), long-term alpha track detectors (90+ days), and professional electronic testing performed by a certified radon contractor. Professional testing is the most accurate method and is required for most real estate transactions in New Jersey.

Question 3

What is considered a safe level of radon?

Accepted Answer

The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). The average indoor radon level in the U.S. is 1.3 pCi/L. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a lower action level of 2.7 pCi/L. There is no completely safe level of radon exposure, but mitigation systems can reduce levels by 90% or more in most homes.

Question 4

How much does radon mitigation cost?

Accepted Answer

Radon mitigation in New Jersey typically costs between $800 and $2,500, with most homeowners paying around $1,200–$1,500 for a standard sub-slab depressurization system. Cost varies based on your home's foundation type, size, and current radon levels. Interstate Radon provides free on-site estimates before any work begins.

Question 5

Can I fix the radon problem myself?

Accepted Answer

DIY radon reduction methods such as sealing cracks or increasing ventilation can provide minor improvements but are not reliable solutions for elevated radon levels. The EPA and NJ DEP recommend hiring a certified radon mitigation contractor to design and install a proper mitigation system. A professionally installed system is the only method proven to consistently reduce radon to safe levels and comes with post-installation testing to confirm results.

Question 6

What is a radon mitigation system and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A radon mitigation system is a professionally installed network of pipes and a fan that draws radon gas from beneath your home and vents it safely outside before it can enter your living space. The most common type is Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) — a pipe is inserted through the foundation slab, connected to a continuously running fan, and routed out through the roof or exterior wall. Most systems reduce radon levels by 90% or more and are also referred to as radon reduction systems or radon remediation systems.

Question 7

How much does a radon mitigation system cost in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

In New Jersey, radon mitigation system installation typically costs between $800 and $2,500, with most homeowners paying around $1,200–$1,500 for a standard sub-slab depressurization system. Cost varies based on your home's foundation type, size, and current radon levels. Interstate Radon provides free on-site estimates before any work begins.

Question 8

What is radon abatement?

Accepted Answer

Radon abatement is another term for radon mitigation — the process of reducing radon gas levels in a home to safe levels. It typically involves installing a radon reduction system that continuously draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it outside. The terms radon abatement, radon mitigation, and radon remediation are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Question 9

How is radon detected in a home?

Accepted Answer

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas — it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon is through radon detection testing. Options include short-term charcoal canister tests (48–96 hours), long-term alpha track detectors (90+ days), and professional electronic testing performed by a certified radon contractor. Professional testing is the most accurate and is recommended for all New Jersey homeowners, particularly those buying or selling a home.

Question 10

What is the difference between radon testing and radon inspection?

Accepted Answer

Radon testing measures the concentration of radon gas in your home's air, expressed in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A radon inspection goes further — a certified contractor evaluates your home's foundation type, entry points, ventilation, and any existing mitigation systems to assess overall radon risk and recommend the right solution. Testing tells you the number; an inspection tells you why and what to do about it.

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