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You Got a High Radon Test Result.
Here's Exactly What to Do Next.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. — and one of the most fixable problems in your home. This guide explains permits, contractor licensing requirements, and what your pCi/L result actually means, organized by state.

21,000
U.S. radon-related lung cancer deaths per year (EPA)
1 in 15
U.S. homes estimated above the EPA action level
4 pCi/L
EPA action level — the threshold that triggers mitigation
$800–2K
Typical one-time mitigation cost — lasts the life of the home
50+
State and topic guides on this site — all free

Start Here: What to Do After a High Radon Test

Not sure what your result means or where to begin? Follow this path.

Below 2
Low
2.0–3.9
Consider Mitigating
4.0–9.9
Act Now
10.0+
Act Urgently

Radon Action Level Advisor

Enter your test result and state below for personalized guidance.

What Does Your Radon Level Mean for Your State?

Permit Requirements

Contractor Certification

Full permit guide → How to hire a contractor →

Radon Guides by State

Permit requirements, contractor licensing rules, and local details — organized by state.

● Zone 1 — Highest radon potential ● Zone 2 — Moderate potential ● Zone 3 — Lower potential

All Guides & Resources

From understanding your test to verifying a contractor's credentials.

📄

Free Download: What to Do After a High Radon Test Result

One-page homeowner checklist — from understanding your number to post-mitigation sign-off. Print it before calling a contractor.

Download Free PDF →

EPA Radon Zones: What They Mean for Your Home

The EPA divides the U.S. into three radon potential zones based on geology, soil permeability, and historic testing data.

Zone 1 — Highest Potential

Predicted average indoor radon above 4 pCi/L. Testing is urgently recommended. States with the most Zone 1 counties: Pennsylvania (all counties), Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio.

Zone 2 — Moderate Potential

Predicted average 2–4 pCi/L. Testing still recommended — individual homes in Zone 2 frequently test above 4 pCi/L. Zone is a guideline, not a guarantee of safety.

Zone 3 — Low Potential

Predicted average below 2 pCi/L. Testing still advisable, especially for basements or below-grade living spaces. Zone 3 homes can test high due to local geology variations.

⚠️ EPA zones are predictions, not guarantees. The only way to know your home's radon level is to test it. Zone 3 homes can and do test above 4 pCi/L.

View full EPA zone map explanation and county list →

Common Questions

It depends on your state and municipality. Most states do not require a statewide building permit for radon mitigation in existing homes, but many municipalities require an electrical permit for the fan circuit. Some states (Minnesota, New Jersey, Virginia) have specific radon-related permit requirements. Use our full permit guide or select your state above for specific details.
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA also recommends considering mitigation between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The World Health Organization uses a slightly lower reference level of 2.7 pCi/L. There is no completely safe level of radon, but 4 pCi/L is the widely adopted U.S. action threshold.
The two national certification bodies are NRPP (nrpp.info) and NRSB (nrsb.org) — both have free searchable contractor directories. Some states (Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland) also maintain state-specific certification lists through their environmental or health agencies. Always verify certification before signing any contract.
Installation typically takes 3–8 hours for a standard single-point sub-slab depressurization system in a single-family home. Radon levels begin dropping within hours of installation and typically reach their new stable level within 24–48 hours. You can run a post-mitigation test after 24 hours to confirm the system is working.
In most states, homeowners can legally install their own radon mitigation system in their own owner-occupied home. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and many other states do not require contractor certification for owner-performed installations. However, the technical requirements are specific, and some states require a certified professional to conduct the post-mitigation test. See our DIY radon mitigation guide for state-by-state rules.