Radon, Basements, and Lung Health: A Pittsburgh Warning

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 30, 2026

Imagine breathing in something invisible, odorless, and tasteless that slowly damages your lungs over years. That’s the reality for many Pittsburgh homeowners, thanks to a naturally occurring radioactive gas called radon. It’s a serious problem, especially in Allegheny County, and ignoring it is a gamble you simply can’t afford to take with your health.

Radon is a byproduct of uranium decay in the soil and rocks beneath our homes. It seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Because of the unique geological makeup of Western Pennsylvania, particularly the presence of Marcellus Shale, radon levels tend to be higher than the national average.

Testing for radon is the first, and most crucial, step. Don’t rely on assumptions or what your neighbor tells you. You need concrete data specific to your home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Pittsburgh basements:

Choose Your Test: You have two main options: short-term and long-term tests. Short-term tests, lasting 2-7 days, are quicker but less representative of year-round radon levels. Long-term tests, lasting 90 days or more, provide a more accurate average. For an initial assessment, a short-term test is fine, but if the results are borderline, a long-term test is highly recommended.
Purchase a Test Kit: You can find radon test kits at most hardware stores in the Pittsburgh area (like Lowe’s or Home Depot) or online. Make sure the kit is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This ensures the lab analyzing your sample is qualified.
Prepare Your Basement: Close all windows and exterior doors for 12 hours before starting the test. This helps to stabilize the radon levels inside. Don’t operate fans that bring air in from outside. Normal entry and exit are fine.
Place the Test Kit: In your basement, choose a location that’s at least 20 inches above the floor, away from drafts, high heat, and humidity. The center of the room is generally a good choice. Follow the specific instructions included with your test kit.
Start the Test: Activate the test kit according to the instructions. This usually involves opening a container or hanging a collection device.
Maintain Closed Conditions: Keep windows and exterior doors closed during the entire testing period, except for normal entry and exit.
Send the Sample: After the testing period, seal the test kit as instructed and mail it to the lab for analysis. The kit will include a pre-addressed envelope.
Receive Your Results: The lab will send you a report with your radon level, usually measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Interpreting your results is where things get serious. The EPA action level for radon is 4 pCi/L. If your test results are at or above this level, you absolutely need to take action to mitigate the radon. Pennsylvania follows the EPA guidelines.

However, even levels below 4 pCi/L aren’t necessarily safe. The EPA recommends considering mitigation if your radon level is between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Remember, there is no safe level of radon exposure. The lower, the better.

Allegheny County’s geology makes this even more critical. Because of the higher prevalence of radon in our soil, even “low” levels can contribute to a significant lifetime risk. Don’t be complacent just because you’re below 4 pCi/L.

Here’s a breakdown of what your results mean in the Pittsburgh context:

Below 2 pCi/L: This is a good result, but it’s still wise to retest every few years, especially if you make changes to your home’s foundation or ventilation.
Between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L: Consider mitigation. The cost of mitigation is often less than the long-term health risks. Get quotes from multiple certified mitigation specialists.
4 pCi/L or Higher: Mitigation is essential. Don’t delay. Contact a certified radon mitigation specialist immediately.

Mitigation involves installing a system to vent radon gas from beneath your home to the outside. The most common method is sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a pipe through your foundation and using a fan to draw radon gas from beneath the slab and vent it above the roofline.

Choosing a qualified radon mitigation specialist is crucial. Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Look for a company certified by the Pennsylvania DEP. You can find a list of certified professionals on the DEP website.

Here are some questions to ask potential mitigation specialists:

Are you certified by the Pennsylvania DEP?
How many radon mitigation systems have you installed in the Pittsburgh area?
Can you provide references from previous clients?
What type of mitigation system do you recommend for my home, and why?
What is the estimated cost of the system, including installation and maintenance?
Do you offer a guarantee that the system will reduce radon levels below 4 pCi/L?

A common mistake homeowners make is trying to DIY radon mitigation. This is almost always a bad idea. Radon mitigation requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Improperly installed systems can be ineffective or even make the problem worse.

Another pitfall is neglecting to retest after mitigation. After the system is installed, you need to retest your home to ensure it’s working properly. The mitigation specialist should provide guidance on retesting.

Long-term lung health is the ultimate goal. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Protecting yourself and your family from radon is an investment in your future health.

Here are some additional resources for Pittsburgh homeowners:

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): [Insert PA DEP Website Link Here] - This website provides information about radon testing, mitigation, and certified professionals.
Allegheny County Health Department: [Insert Allegheny County Health Department Website Link Here] - The county health department can provide local information and resources.
EPA Radon Information: [Insert EPA Radon Website Link Here] - The EPA website offers comprehensive information about radon.

Don’t wait. Test your Pittsburgh basement for radon today. It’s a simple step that can make a world of difference for your health and the health of your loved ones. Ignoring the risk is simply not an option in Allegheny County.