From the Ground Up: Understanding Radon Risk and Management
By Angela Dean - 12 July 2026

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. According to Utah Geological Survey data, some areas of Ogden Valley have medium to high radon risk.

Because radon is a gas, it can move through soil and enter buildings through cracks in floor slabs, walls, and openings around pipes or other construction joints. Once inside, radon disperses through the air and is typically found at the highest concentrations in the lowest level of a building.

Health Risks of radon exposure

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Smokers exposed to radon have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon exposure contributes to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

As radon naturally decays, it releases radioactive particles that can become trapped in the lungs, causing tissue damage over time and increasing the risk of lung cancer. Radon exposure does not cause immediate symptoms, and health effects may take many years to develop. Currently, lung cancer is the only confirmed health effect associated with exposure to radon in indoor air. Risk depends on the radon concentration in a home, the length of exposure, and whether a person has a history of smoking.

How to test for radon
 
There are several options for testing radon levels, including: hiring a professional radon testing company; using a free or inexpensive DIY kit; or purchasing a monitor that can track levels over time.

Radon test results can vary significantly by season. Levels are often highest in the fall and winter when homes are more tightly sealed and heating systems create conditions that draw soil gases indoors. During the summer, levels may decrease due to open windows and increased ventilation.
Snow cover can further increase radon levels by trapping gas in the soil and limiting its ability to escape outdoors. Testing during the winter can provide a better understanding of potential peak exposure conditions.

Utah DEQ DIY Test Kits:      https://deq.utah.gov/dwmrc/radon
Long-term monitor for purchase:     https://www.airthings.com
 
How to remedy high radon levels

There is no reliable way to test soil conditions before construction or predict how the soil will interact with a completed building. The best practice for new construction is to install a radon mitigation system during the initial build so it can be properly integrated into the structure. Installing a system during construction is typically more cost-effective than retrofitting one later, with typical costs ranging from $800–$1,500.

The goal of radon mitigation is to lower radon levels as much as reasonably achievable and keep indoor concentrations below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air).

Most radon mitigation systems use a fan to draw radon gas from beneath the building and vent it safely outdoors through a pipe that extends above the roofline. The pipe may be installed inside or outside a home and must discharge away from windows, doors, and other openings. Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation also helps limit radon entry and improves system performance.

Main Components of a Radon Mitigation System

• Suction point: A pit or collection area located beneath the foundation slab or within a sealed crawl space that allows radon gas to be drawn into the vent pipe.
• Radon vent pipe: A PVC pipe that carries radon from beneath the building to the exterior. The discharge point should extend above the roofline and be located away from windows, doors, and other openings.
• Radon fan: A continuously operating fan that pulls radon from the soil and exhausts it outdoors. Fans are typically installed in unconditioned areas, such as an attic, garage, or exterior location, to prevent radon from leaking back into the home. In some cases, a fan may not be necessary if a passive system reduces radon levels below required limits.

​Understanding your radon levels and addressing high risk test results is easy and cost-effective. Most importantly, it can help protect you and your family from potential health risks.

Sources of information for article:
Utah Department of Environmental Quality    https://deq.utah.gov/dwmrc/radon
Utah Geological Survey     https://geology.utah.gov
U.S Center for Disease Control     https://www.cdc.gov/radon

​Angela Dean is Principal of AMD Architecture, was a member of the volunteer City Startup Transition Team and currently serves as Ogden Valley Planning Commission's Vice Chair.