Reno Radon: Is Your Slab Hiding Lung Rot?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

February 11, 2026

The musty smell in your basement isn’t just unpleasant; it could be a silent threat. In Reno, Nevada, that threat is often radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground. Ignoring it is like playing Russian roulette with your family’s health. This isn’t fear-mongering; it’s a reality backed by science, and as a Reno homeowner, you need to be proactive.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s especially prevalent in areas with granite bedrock, which, unfortunately, describes much of the Reno-Tahoe region. When radon escapes into the atmosphere, it disperses and isn’t a concern. However, when it enters your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or even through the water supply, it can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Why is Reno particularly vulnerable? The high desert climate plays a role. The dry soil can create pathways for radon to move more easily. Furthermore, many Reno homes are built on slab foundations, which, while common, are more susceptible to radon intrusion than homes with basements or crawl spaces that are properly ventilated. The geological composition of the area, rich in granite and volcanic rock, further exacerbates the problem.

The danger lies in the fact that radon is a known carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Don’t become a statistic.

So, how do you know if your Reno home has a radon problem? The answer is simple: test. Fortunately, DIY radon testing is readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to DIY radon testing in Reno, tailored for our unique environment:

Choose the Right Test Kit: You have two main options: short-term and long-term test kits. Short-term kits provide results in 2-7 days, while long-term kits measure radon levels over 90 days or more, offering a more accurate annual average. Given Reno’s fluctuating weather patterns, a long-term test is generally recommended for a more reliable assessment. Purchase a kit specifically designed for indoor air testing. You can find these at most hardware stores, home improvement centers, or online retailers. Look for kits that are certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Prepare Your Home: Close all windows and exterior doors for 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the testing period. This is crucial to ensure accurate readings. Avoid running fans or ventilation systems that could dilute the radon concentration. Place the test kit in the lowest livable area of your home. This is typically the basement or the first floor if you have a slab foundation. Choose a location that is away from drafts, direct sunlight, and high humidity areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Conduct the Test: Follow the instructions provided with your test kit carefully. Typically, this involves placing the detector in the designated location and leaving it undisturbed for the specified period. Record the date and time you started the test, as well as the location of the detector.
Send the Sample for Analysis: Once the testing period is complete, seal the detector according to the instructions and mail it to the laboratory for analysis. The lab will provide you with a report detailing the radon levels in your home.
Interpret the Results: Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to mitigate radon if levels are 4 pCi/L or higher. Even levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L warrant consideration of mitigation. Remember, there is no safe level of radon.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:

Improper Sealing: Failing to properly seal windows and doors before and during the test can lead to inaccurate results. Double-check all seals and use weather stripping if necessary.
Placement Errors: Placing the test kit in the wrong location, such as near a window or in a high-traffic area, can skew the readings. Choose a quiet, undisturbed location in the lowest livable area of your home.
Ignoring Instructions: Not following the instructions provided with the test kit is a common mistake. Read the instructions carefully and follow them precisely.
Testing During Extreme Weather: Avoid testing during periods of heavy rain or snow, as these conditions can affect radon levels.

What to Do If Your Radon Levels Are High:

If your test results indicate elevated radon levels, don’t panic. Mitigation is possible and often relatively straightforward. The most common mitigation technique is sub-slab depressurization. This involves installing a vent pipe and fan system that draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it safely outside.

Here’s a simplified overview of the sub-slab depressurization process:

Assessment: A certified radon mitigation contractor will assess your home to determine the best mitigation strategy.
Installation: The contractor will drill a hole through the foundation slab and create a small pit beneath it.
Piping: A PVC pipe is inserted into the hole and sealed to the slab.
Fan: A radon mitigation fan is installed in the pipe, typically in the attic or outside the house.
Venting: The fan draws radon from beneath the slab and vents it safely above the roofline.
Sealing: Cracks and openings in the foundation are sealed to prevent radon from entering the home through other pathways.

Nevada-Specific Resources and Certified Contractors:

The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health offers valuable information and resources on radon testing and mitigation. Visit their website or call their hotline for guidance.

To find a certified radon mitigation contractor in the Reno area, consult the NRPP or NRSB websites. These organizations maintain lists of qualified professionals who have met specific training and certification requirements.

Affordable Solutions:

While professional mitigation is often the most effective solution, there are some affordable steps you can take to reduce radon levels in your Reno home:

Seal Cracks and Openings: Use caulk or sealant to seal cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other potential entry points.
Increase Ventilation: Open windows and doors regularly to increase ventilation and dilute radon concentrations. However, this is only a temporary solution and is not effective during colder months.
Install a Radon Sump Pump: If you have a sump pump, ensure it is properly sealed and vented to the outside.

Radon is a serious health risk, but it’s a risk you can control. By taking the time to test your Reno home for radon and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, you can protect your family from this silent killer. Don’t wait; take action today. Your health, and the health of your loved ones, depends on it.