Can New Homes Have High Radon Levels ? Why Testing Matters

Buying a newly built home often comes with a sense of security. Everything is fresh, the construction meets current standards, and there are no years of wear and tear to worry about. But there is one potential problem that has nothing to do with how old a house is: radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It has no color or smell, so you cannot detect it simply by walking through a home. More importantly, a house does not have to be old to have elevated radon levels. New homes can have high radon levels too.

That is why radon testing should not be overlooked when buying or moving into a newly constructed home.

Why Can a New Home Have High Radon Levels?

Radon comes primarily from the soil beneath and around a home. It can move through the ground and enter a building through cracks, construction joints, gaps around pipes, and other openings in the foundation.

A new foundation may be well constructed, but that does not automatically mean it is completely protected from radon. Pressure differences between the soil and the interior of a house can draw soil gases indoors.

In fact, the EPA notes that any home can have a radon problem, including new and old homes, homes with or without basements, and well-sealed or drafty homes.

The location of the property also matters. Some areas have naturally higher radon potential because of the underlying geology. However, even homes next to each other can have significantly different radon levels.

Does New Construction Prevent Radon?

Not necessarily.

Builders can use radon-resistant construction techniques to reduce the chances of radon entering a home. These may include a gas-permeable layer beneath the foundation, plastic sheeting, sealed foundation openings, and a vent pipe designed to direct radon safely outside.

Some new homes may even include passive radon systems as part of their construction. These systems can make it easier to address elevated radon levels later if testing shows that additional mitigation is necessary.

But there is an important distinction between radon-resistant construction and a guarantee of low radon levels.

A home can be designed to resist radon and still require testing after construction.

Why Should You Test a Newly Built Home?

Testing is the only reliable way to determine whether a home has elevated indoor radon levels.

You cannot tell from the age of the property, the quality of construction, or even the presence of a radon-resistant system whether the indoor air contains a high concentration of radon. The EPA recommends testing new homes after occupancy, even when radon-resistant features have been incorporated during construction.

This is especially important because radon can accumulate indoors over time.

The EPA recommends taking action when radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. If elevated levels are discovered, a qualified radon professional can recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

Testing early gives homeowners an opportunity to address the issue before they spend years living in the property without knowing about it.

What About Homes Without Basements?

A common misconception is that radon is only a concern in homes with basements.

That is not true.

Radon can enter homes through the ground regardless of whether the property has a basement. Slab-on-grade homes, crawlspace homes, and other types of residential construction can potentially have elevated levels.

Because radon generally enters from the soil, the lowest level of the home is often a logical place to conduct testing.

So, skipping a radon test simply because a new home does not have a basement can create a false sense of security.

When Should You Test a New Home?

Testing can be particularly valuable when you are:

• Buying a newly constructed home
• Moving into a new construction property
• Building a home in an area with elevated radon potential
• Purchasing a home with a basement or crawlspace
• Unsure whether the builder installed radon-resistant features
• Making significant renovations or changes to the home's structure or HVAC system

If you are already arranging a broader property evaluation, radon testing can be considered alongside other inspections. For example, homeowners comparing home inspection services Chicago may also want to ask whether radon testing is available separately or as part of the inspection process.

What If the Test Shows High Radon Levels?

Finding elevated radon levels does not mean you have to give up on a home.

Radon problems can be addressed through mitigation systems designed to reduce the amount of radon entering or accumulating inside the property. Depending on the home's construction and the source of the radon, mitigation may involve improving soil-gas ventilation, sealing certain openings, or installing a fan-powered system.

The good news is that radon mitigation can be effective. The important first step is knowing that a problem exists.

For new construction, planning for radon resistance during the building stage can also make future mitigation easier and less disruptive. The EPA notes that incorporating radon-resistant features during construction is generally easier and less costly than addressing a radon problem after the home has been completed.

Don't Let a New Home Create a False Sense of Security

A brand-new home can have modern finishes, energy-efficient systems, and the latest construction features. But none of those things automatically tell you what is in the indoor air.

Radon is invisible and odorless, and its presence cannot be determined by looking at the foundation or walking through the property.

That is why testing matters.

If you are buying or moving into a new home, consider making radon testing part of your early home-safety checklist. A simple test can provide valuable information and, if elevated levels are discovered, give you the opportunity to address the issue before it becomes a long-term concern.

New doesn't always mean radon-free. Testing is the only way to know.