How to Get Rid of Radon

Hire a certified radon specialist. Contact the radon office in your state for a list of certified radon contractors, who can discern the scope of your home's radon problem. Heed the cautionary words of the EPA: “Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help you pick the right treatment method.”

Study the various radon reduction systems so that you can help made an educated decision. Radon surges through the ground and enters a home through gaps, cracks and cavities in floors, walls and pipes. It also can seep in through water via a private well – far less often through a public water supply. Once radon enters a home, it stays there – until it's removed. One of the most effective radon reduction systems is known as an “active soil depressurization system.” It works by pulling radon from the soil – before it has a chance to enter a home. Such a system can be installed inside a home – and vented through the roof – or affixed to the exterior. A certified radon specialist can inspect your home for every detail and recommend the correct system. For example, if your home is built on gravel, it will be easier to pull air through the soil than if it were built on clay.

Caulk cracks in your home's foundation, walls, lowest-level floors and other openings. Seal the lid of your sump pump, too.

Keep the windows in the lowest level of your home open. If temperatures make this difficult, set up a window fan so that it pulls outdoor air indoors.