Arizona Homes Need Radon Testing & Mitigation

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings, posing serious health risks. This invisible odorless gas enters homes and businesses in a variety of ways, including through foundation cracks, construction joints, and other small openings. Since it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, testing is the only way to determine if a building has unsafe levels.

Unlike other states in the Southwest, Arizona has comparatively low levels of reported indoor radon, with highly populated Maricopa County showing an average of 2.6 pCi/L. However, this does not mean radon is not an issue in Arizona. Due to the state’s diverse geological features, including uranium-rich rock formations, radon levels can be dangerously high in certain areas, including Coconino County, Gila County, and Graham County.

Historically, Arizona’s overall radon levels have been relatively mild. According to data collected by the Indoor Environments Association (IEA – formerly AARST), out of 3,589 pre-mitigation radon tests, only 17% tested above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L. Testing data from the CDC indicates that counties such as Yavapai, Coconino, Gila, and Graham report the highest average radon levels, with the former three counties exceeding the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.

However, this does not mean that radon is isolated to those areas. In fact, many properties across Yavapai County and Maricopa County have been found with highly elevated levels of radon. However, like many states across the Southwest, Arizona has no statewide radon testing requirements for new construction or real estate transactions. This means property owners must take responsibility for testing and mitigation to ensure safe indoor air quality.

As has been discussed at great length by the EPA, CDC, ADEQ, and us here at Southwest Radon Eliminators, radon testing is the only reliable way to determine exposure risks. While the EPA estimates that one in 15 Arizona homes has elevated levels of indoor radon, testing remains inconsistent across different regions. Reports from the American Lung Association highlight a significant disparity in testing, particularly in underserved communities.

Whether for your home, business, school, or other commercial property, testing for radon is recommended at least every two years. This is particularly important for residential and commercial properties in high-risk areas. However, short-term and long-term radon tests are only part of the equation. In conjunction with regular testing, continuous radon monitoring provides the most accurate assessment of indoor exposure over time.

If your radon test results indicate high levels of radon in your home or building, it is crucial to install a radon mitigation system to reduce radon exposure. The most common type of radon mitigation system used is a sub-slab depressurization system, which effectively vents radon gas from beneath the foundation to the outside. Other mitigation methods, such as sub-membrane depressurization for crawl spaces, may be necessary depending on the construction type of your home or building.

Radon mitigation methods are highly effective, with some systems capable of reducing radon levels by up to 99%. Most homes and buildings can be mitigated at a cost comparable to other common home repairs. The total price of mitigation will depend on several factors, including the size of the home, the foundation type (slab-on-grade, basement, or crawl space), the severity of the radon issue, and the specific system required for optimal reduction.

As Arizona does not have any state regulations for radon testing or laws requiring radon mitigation measures, home and business owners must take the initiative to test their properties Per the EPA and Arizona Geological Survey, it is highly recommended that you hire NRPP-certified radon inspectors and mitigators to ensure the most accurate and effective testing and mitigation.

At Southwest Radon Eliminators, our professional testing services employ the latest equipment and stringent protocols to identify the root cause of radon in your home and develop customized strategies for mitigation. Our NRPP-licensed and certified Radon Measurement Professionals use advanced tools and have undergone rigorous training to provide the highest quality radon testing and mitigation services, ensuring the safety of your home and family.