Radon might not dominate headlines in Oklahoma, but the risk it poses is more than just a footnote. According to data from the CDC and the Indoor Environments Association (IEA), Oklahoma sees an estimated 312 radon-induced lung cancer cases per year, resulting in over $129 million annually in combined healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Despite these numbers, most homes and businesses in Oklahoma remain untested, and existing policies do little to address the issue.

Testing Gaps & Exposure Risks

While Oklahoma historically has shown a relatively low average level of indoor radon, this does not mean that your property is safe. Recent pre-mitigation testing data paints a clearer picture. Of the 814 recorded tests across Oklahoma:

  • 13% exceeded the EPA’s 4.0 pCi/L action level

  • 19% fell between 2.0 and 3.9 pCi/L

  • 68% were below 2.0 pCi/L

That means nearly one in three tested homes showed moderate to high levels of radon, enough to warrant immediate mitigation or continued monitoring. And because radon infiltration is hyperlocal, these percentages are likely to vary widely between counties, neighborhoods, and even neighboring homes. But without widespread testing, many homeowners are left in the dark.

A Risk That Falls on Property Owners

According to the IEA (formerly AARST), there are no state-level requirements for:

  • Radon-resistant construction in new homes or schools
  • Professional credentials for mitigation specialists
  • Mandatory testing during home sales or real estate transfers

This lack of regulation puts the burden entirely on homeowners, renters, and business owners. It also means that unless someone actively seeks out radon testing, they likely never do it at all.

Oklahoma’s Housing Trends & Radon Vulnerability

Oklahoma has over 1.7 million existing homes, the majority of which are single-family residences, many built decades before radon mitigation was part of any building conversation. Rural areas often feature homes with basements or crawl spaces, both of which increase radon infiltration risks. Even in urban areas like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, newer construction is not guaranteed to be radon-resistant.

Oklahoma’s soil composition and geology can further elevate indoor radon concentrations. This is especially true during the colder months when buildings are sealed tight, particularly in areas around the Arbuckle Mountains and northeastern shale-rich regions.

Proactive Solutions Start with Testing

Homeowners in Oklahoma don’t need to wait for legislation to take action. Radon testing is straightforward and cost-effective. At Southwest Radon Eliminators, we use industry-standard short-term tests and continuous radon monitoring (CRM) devices to provide fast, accurate insight into your indoor air quality.

If elevated radon levels are found, our mitigation systems are designed to work with Oklahoma’s unique housing stock, whether that means sub-slab depressurization for homes on slabs, sub-membrane systems for properties with crawlspaces, or active ventilation for multi-level structures.

Protecting Oklahoma Properties, One Test at a Time

Until statewide policies catch up, the best line of defense is awareness and action. Testing your property for radon is the only way to know your risk. And if mitigation is necessary, working with certified professionals ensures long-term results.

Southwest Radon Eliminators is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Oklahoma with certified testing, expert mitigation, and long-term monitoring. If you’re ready to take control of your indoor air quality, we’re here to help.