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Radon Level Map
Is your home in a radon danger zone?
Radon levels can vary greatly across a single neighborhood, but there are certain areas of the country that have a higher predicted average indoor radon level, as shown in the EPA map below. However, it's important to test for radon even if you live in a moderate or low-risk area. Research has shown that high radon levels can be found even in states that have lower radon levels on average.
Source: EPA
Reading the USA Radon Map
- Zone 1 Counties (Red)
- Highest radon levels on average at over 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
- 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) is the radon level where the EPA strongly suggests you install a radon mitigation system.
- Zone 2 Counties (Orange)
- Average radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
- The EPA still recommends you consider installing a radon mitigation system if your radon level is below 4 pCi/L but above 2 pCiL.
- Zone 3 Counties (Yellow)
- Lowest radon levels on average at less than 2pCi/L.
- While risk is lower in these areas, there may still be neighborhoods or homes with higher radon levels than the average.
- Even in a Zone 3 county, your best option is to have a radon specialist test your home to see if you have dangerously high radon levels.
Problems with the EPA's radon map
The EPA's radon map is a helpful tool for understanding if your home is likely to have high radon levels, but it is not perfect. The radon map is based on averages, which means a few high or low readings can distort the average radon level. Similarly, radon levels have been shown to fluctuate greatly between neighborhoods and sometimes even from house to house. Just because you are located in an area with a low predicted average indoor radon level doesn't mean that your home isn't at risk.
Source: Government of Canada
Reading Canada's Radon Map
- Area 1 (Dark Red)
- Areas in which at least 10% or more of the households have high radon levels; categorized at over 200 Bq/m3 (Becquerels per cubic meter).
- The World Health Organization (WHO) generally advises households to not exceed more than 300 Bq/m3 and must seek immediate action with a radon mitigation system.
- Area 2 (Light Red)
- Areas in which 1%-10% of households have high radon levels.
- The Government of Canada still recommends having your home tested for radon if you live in these areas.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) generally advises those with radon levels over 100 Bq/m3 to take remedial action to lower radon levels.
- Area 3 (Light Pink)
- Areas in which less than 1% of households have high radon levels.
- Even if you live in an area that experiences fewer levels of high radon exposure doesn't mean you aren't at risk. It's recommended that you still test your household for radon with a radon expert.
Issues with the Government of Canada's radon map
The above map is a helpful guide in showing where high radon levels are more common, but it's not perfect. Just because you live in an area where fewer homes have high radon levels doesn't cancel out the idea of radon in your home. In fact, all households should be tested for radon to 100% ensure there are no hazardous levels lurking in your home.
What should you do next?
Whether you are in a county with high or low average radon levels, the safest option is always to simply get a radon test from an experienced radon professional. They can see if your home has a high level of radon and install a radon mitigation system if needed.
As a leading network of radon contractors, National Radon Defense can help. Contact us today to find your local radon experts!
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