The Importance of Radon Testing in the Inland Northwest
When people think about home safety, they often consider smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and security systems. But there’s another invisible threat that many homeowners overlook—radon gas. The Inland Northwest, including areas of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, has some of the highest radon levels in the country, making radon testing an essential step in protecting your home and family.
In this post, we’ll explore what radon is, why the Inland Northwest is at high risk, and what you can do to ensure your home is safe.
What is Radon and Why is it Dangerous?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps into homes through:
✔ Cracks in foundation walls and floors
✔ Gaps around pipes and sump pumps
✔ Crawl spaces and basements with poor ventilation
🔹 Health Risk: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after smoking. According to the EPA, prolonged exposure to high radon levels can significantly increase lung cancer risk, even in non-smokers.
Why is Radon a Big Problem in the Inland Northwest?
The Inland Northwest sits on uranium-rich rock formations, which release high amounts of radon gas. This region’s unique geology and cold climate contribute to elevated indoor radon levels because:
✅ Homes are built on radon-emitting soil and rock
✅ Winters force homes to be sealed tightly, trapping radon inside
✅ Basements and crawl spaces, common in this area, allow radon to accumulate
🔹 Statistic: According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, nearly 40% of homes in Northern Idaho have radon levels above the EPA’s safe limit of 4.0 pCi/L. Some counties report levels five to ten times higher than this threshold.
🔹 Hotspots for High Radon Levels:
✔ Eastern Washington (Spokane, Pullman, Colville)
✔ Northern Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Moscow)
✔ Western Montana (Missoula, Kalispell, Helena)
How to Test Your Home for Radon
Because radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only way to know if your home has unsafe levels.
Option 1: DIY Radon Test Kits
Affordable and easy to use
Available at hardware stores or online
Short-term tests (2-7 days) provide a quick snapshot of radon levels
Long-term tests (90+ days) give more accurate year-round results
Option 2: Professional Radon Testing
Recommended for anyone living in a high radon area who does not have an active radon mitigation system.
More precise and immediate results than DIY kits.
How Much does a Radon Test Cost? Flagstone Inspections will provide a precice Radon Test for your home for $150.
🔹 When to Test:
✔ If you’ve never tested your home before
✔ If you’re buying or selling a home
✔ Every 2-5 years, since radon levels fluctuate
✔ After remodeling or basement finishing, which can impact radon levels
What to Do If Your Home Has High Radon Levels
If radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce exposure. Fortunately, radon mitigation systems are highly effective.
Radon Reduction Methods
✅ Active Soil Depressurization (ASD): A vent pipe and fan system remove radon from beneath the home before it enters the living space.
✅ Sealing Cracks & Gaps: Reduces radon entry points but should be used alongside a full mitigation system.
✅ Improving Ventilation: Increasing airflow in crawl spaces and basements can help lower radon concentrations.
🔹 Cost of Radon Mitigation:
Professional radon mitigation typically costs $800-$2,500, depending on home size and system complexity.
Compared to the cost of treating lung cancer, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Test Your Home, Protect Your Family
Radon is a serious but preventable health risk, especially in the Inland Northwest, where naturally high radon levels put thousands of homes at risk. Testing your home is easy and affordable, and if high levels are detected, mitigation systems can effectively reduce exposure.
Take Action Today
🏡 If you’ve never tested your home for radon, now is the time. A simple test could save your life.
Would you like help finding local radon test kits or professional mitigation services in your area? Let us know!
