Radon Testing
Healthy Home offers quality, affordable radon testing services to homeowners, landlords, home inspectors, realtors and renters in Oregon and SW Washington.
What you should know about radon in homes
Radon unknowingly affects many homes and occupant health and a simple radon test can help you know if your family or tenants are safe.
Radon is a colorless, chemically underactive inert gas. It easily penetrates common household and building materials such as paper, leather, low-density plastic (e.g., plastic bags), most paints, sheetrock, concrete, mortar, tar paper, wood paneling and most insulations. It is fairly soluble in water and organic solvents. This radioactive gas is produced naturally by the breakdown of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock, soil and well water.
Health Effects from Radon Gas
Radon is a radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., posing serious health risks through long-term exposure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and National Safety Council have concluded that radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right behind cigarette smoking. Scientists estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year are related to radon. People who breathe in radioactive particles, swallow water with high radon levels or are exposed to radon for a long period of time are susceptible to lung damage and lung cancer.
Lung cancer isn’t the only adverse health effect of radon exposure over time. Several other cancers are linked to radon exposure. Other respiratory diseases, such as tuberculosis, are also related to long-term exposure to radon. Genetic abnormalities, birth defects, reproductive issues, and — more recently — gestational diabetes have also been tied to radon.
Common Sourses of Radon in Homes
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from soil, rock, and groundwater. It enters buildings through cracks in foundations and other openings, accumulating to hazardous levels in enclosed spaces such as homes, offices, and schools. Once inside, radon decays into radioactive particles that can be inhaled or ingested, posing serious health risks over time.
While older homes are often assumed to be more susceptible, studies show that newer, energy-efficient buildings can also trap radon, leading to elevated concentrations. The health effects of radon exposure are cumulative and not immediately apparent, making long-term exposure especially dangerous.
In the Portland area, radon levels are significantly higher than the national average. One in four homes tests above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level—double the national rate. Elevated levels have also been found in local schools. Due to this widespread risk, the Oregon Health Authority advises all homeowners to test for radon, regardless of the zone designation or age of the home.
Did You Know?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. You can’t see or smell radon.
Why Test for Radon?
Children are especially vulnerable to radon exposure because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe at a much faster rate than adults.
Doctors estimate that by age 10, a child may receive twice the radon dose of an adult exposed for the same duration—due to higher respiration rates and smaller lungs. But age isn’t the only factor. Several conditions influence a person’s risk of developing radon-related illness:
- Age at time of exposure: Younger individuals may face higher lifetime risk.
- Exposure duration: Long-term exposure increases cumulative risk.
- Radon concentration: Risk rises as radon levels increase in the home or workplace.
- Smoking: Smokers have a dramatically elevated risk when combined with radon exposure.
- Time spent in various indoor environments: Where and how long a person sleeps, works, or plays impacts total exposure.
- Water source: Well water with elevated radon can release gas into indoor air during showering or dishwashing, often affecting upper floors.
- Seasonal changes: Radon levels typically rise in colder months when homes are sealed.
- Static charge conditions: During static-prone months like April and October, radon progeny may attach more readily to dust particles, increasing inhalation risk.
- Latency: Health effects may take years or even decades to appear after exposure begins.
Why Test for Radon?
Radon is a national environmental health problem and elevated radon levels have been found in every state.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 8 million homes throughout the United States have elevated radon levels. Homes in the Portland area, specifically, have tested for unsafe levels of radon gas in numbers that double the national average.
In their preventative lung cancer suggestions, the Mayo Clinic and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) both recommend that homes test for radon, regardless of risk level but especially if you live in an area where radon is known to be a problem. The OHA has provided state residents a useful map indicating known radon risk levels by area, but emphasizes that is not a substitute for radon testing of an individual home. Radon testing is the only way to assess your home’s individual level of exposure. Radon can have a big impact on the indoor air quality of your home and the health of your family, so testing is heavily advised.
Lowering high radon levels often requires technical expertise and special skills, which is why the EPA recommends using a state or nationally certified contractor.
Radon Mitigation Protocol
If radon levels in your home test at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, or even in the 2–4 pCi/L range where mitigation may still be advisable, Healthy Home can guide you through the next steps.
After sampling is complete, we offer an individualized Radon Mitigation Protocol—a science-based plan designed to reduce radon intrusion and protect your indoor air quality long term.
This protocol includes:
- Interim Recommendations: Immediate steps to help reduce exposure while permanent solutions are developed.
- Mitigation Strategy: A tailored mitigation approach based on site-specific sampling data, designed to prevent radon concentrations from rebounding in the future.
- No Conflict of Interest: As a testing-only firm, we do not perform mitigation work ourselves. This keeps our recommendations objective and focused solely on your best interest.
Note: A Radon Mitigation Protocol is only available after radon sampling is completed, as it relies on lab-confirmed data and environmental observations collected during the inspection process.
RadonTesting Process
Healthy Home technicians are certified and have the depth of experience to accurately test for radon gas in your home.
1. Discovery
We begin by discussing your home’s history, location, and known radon risks. Radon is found throughout the Portland area, where 1 in 4 homes test above the EPA’s recommended action level. Even newer or well-sealed homes can have elevated levels.
2. Visual Inspection
A certified radon technician will visit your property to identify optimal testing locations based on building layout and air movement patterns. We typically deploy short-term radon testing devices (such as activated charcoal canisters or continuous radon monitors) in the lowest livable area of your home.
3. Sampling & Laboratory Analysis
Depending on your home’s layout and conditions, radon test kits remain in place for 48–96 hours. After this period, samples are sealed and either measured by a calibrated monitor on-site or submitted to a certified laboratory for detailed analysis. This process follows EPA and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines.
4. Report & Consultation
You’ll receive a written report with your home’s radon level in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), clearly identifying whether mitigation is recommended. If levels exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, we’ll walk you through your options and connect you with trusted mitigation professionals if needed.
Why Choose Healthy Home
Fast Lab Results
Receive detailed, lab-certified reports in just 2–3 business days
Easy-to-Read Reports
Receive detailed, lab-certified reports in just 2–3 business days
Trusted Local Team
Serving Portland, Bend, and beyond with deep knowledge of Oregon homes
At Healthy Home, we specialize in accurate, unbiased radon testing to help you protect your family without the pressure of upsells or remediation pitches.
Unbiased Results
We focus solely on environmental testing — not mitigation. That means our results are objective, data-driven, and designed to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Certified Inspectors
Our technicians are certified in both Oregon and Washington to conduct radon assessments following EPA, NRPP, and OHA protocols.
Fast Turnaround & Upfront Pricing
We offer flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees. Every test includes lab analysis and a written report, typically delivered within 5–7 business days of test completion.
Local & Responsive
We are based in Oregon and have proudly served homeowners since 2008.
Pricing & Scheduling
Transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and no surprise fees, our local teams are ready to help across Portland, Bend, and beyond.
Pricing
Every job includes on-site setup, lab-certified analysis, and a written report with clear results and guidance. Radon testing is offered at a flat rate covering the full monitoring period and report delivery.
$450
Scheduling
We can typically schedule lead testing within 2-3 business days.
2-3 days
Turnaround
Most radon tests require a 2–4 day sample collection period. Once testing is complete, we deliver a detailed lab report within 5–7 business days. Rush processing is available for an additional fee.
7-11 days
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the answer.
What is considered a safe level of radon in a home?
The EPA recommends action at 4 pCi/L, though lower is better. Some states advise mitigation even at 2–4 pCi/L, though both Oregon and Washington adhere to the EPA thresholds. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mitigation at 2.7 pCI/L or above.
How long does testing take?
Once testing canisters are placed, they are retrieved two or three days later. Laboratory results are typically delivered after approximately 5 business days.
Is testing safe in my lived-in home?
Non-invasive devices are placed quietly, with no disruption to family or pets.
When does radon need to be mitigated?
If testing shows elevated radon levels in your home, you should have your home mitigated. Healthy home will work with you to develop an appropriate mitigation protocol that creates a permanent solution for radon intrusion.
Should I get a radon inspection?
The Oregon Health Authority and the Mayo Clinic have both recommended that all homeowners conduct a radon test in their homes, given that it is the second-leading cause of cancer in the US.
What's the difference between at-home radon tests and professional testing?
At-home radon test kits (often charcoal canisters or alpha track detectors) are inexpensive, passive devices you place in your home for a set period—typically 2 to 7 days for short-term tests. Once the test period is complete, you mail the kit to a lab for analysis. These tests are useful for basic screening but can be prone to user error, improper placement, or interference from ventilation and weather conditions.
Professional radon testing uses continuous radon monitors (CRMs), which are active electronic devices deployed by certified technicians. These monitors take hourly readings, log fluctuations, and often include tamper-detection mechanisms. The result is a more accurate, time-stamped profile of radon levels—especially valuable for real estate transactions or mitigation planning.
Should I hire a professional radon tester instead of a DIY kit?
If you’re screening your home for the first time or want a general idea of radon levels, a well-placed at-home kit can provide a useful snapshot. However, for high-stakes decisions—like a home purchase, confirmation of mitigation effectiveness, or any instance of previously elevated readings—professional testing is recommended. It provides more precise data and meets the standards required for real estate disclosures and permanent mitigation planning.
