Radon in Upper Valley Homes: Testing and Mitigation Basics
Radon is common in New Hampshire and Vermont. Here's how to test your home and what to do if levels are high.
Key takeaways
- Radon is a colorless, odorless gas and a leading cause of lung cancer.
- Test your lowest lived-in level. Vermont residents can order kits from the Department of Health.
- The EPA recommends fixing homes at or above 4 pCi/L.
- Mitigation systems are usually straightforward to install.
Why it matters here
Radon comes naturally from uranium in soil and rock, and the granite bedrock found across much of our region can produce high levels. Neighboring homes can have very different results, so every house should be tested.
How to test
Short-term test kits take a few days. Long-term tests, which last 90 days or more, show average levels over time. Place the kit on the lowest floor you regularly use, away from drafts. Many people test during the heating season, when windows stay closed. If you're buying a home, a certified inspector can test during the purchase. Vermont residents can order test kits through the Vermont Department of Health; check its radon page for current availability.
If levels are high
The EPA recommends fixing your home if radon is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, and suggests considering it between 2 and 4. A typical system uses a sealed pipe and quiet fan to vent gas from beneath the slab to above the roofline. Retest after installation.
Don't forget your water
Drilled wells can also carry radon into the home. If your air levels are high, ask your lab about testing your water too.
Finding local help
Below are Upper Valley inspectors and specialists who offer radon testing or related work. Ask whether they hold radon credentials.
Find Upper Valley pros
Sources
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Confirm details with a qualified local professional.