Reno's Radon: Drafty Homes Inflaming Senior Lungs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 11, 2026

The biting wind whips through the cracks around your Reno home’s aging windows, a constant reminder of winter’s chill. But what if that draft, that seemingly harmless inconvenience, is also pulling in something far more sinister: radon? For seniors in Reno, especially those living in older, drafty homes, radon exposure is a serious health risk often overlooked. It’s time to take control and understand how to protect yourself.

Radon, an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, is a naturally occurring element produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. In Nevada, particularly in areas like Reno with its unique geological makeup, radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and gaps around pipes. While radon exists everywhere, it’s the concentration within enclosed spaces that poses a threat.

Why is this particularly concerning for Reno seniors? Aging lungs are more susceptible to the damaging effects of radon. Long-term exposure is the primary concern, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer. The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the leading cause among non-smokers.

Reno, nestled in the Truckee Meadows, sits on a geological foundation that makes it a moderate to high-risk area for radon. The Nevada Radon Education Program has identified Washoe County, where Reno is located, as having areas with elevated radon levels. This doesn’t mean every home in Reno has a problem, but it underscores the importance of testing.

The first step in protecting yourself is testing your home for radon. Fortunately, DIY radon test kits are readily available at hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot in Reno, as well as online retailers. These kits typically involve placing a passive detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home for a specified period (usually 2-7 days). After the testing period, you mail the detector to a lab for analysis.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a DIY short-term radon test kit:

Purchase a kit: Look for kits certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Choose the right location: Place the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home, such as the basement or first floor. Avoid placing it in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near drafts, exterior walls, or direct sunlight.
Prepare the area: Close windows and exterior doors 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the testing period. This helps ensure an accurate reading.
Place the detector: Follow the kit’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll hang the detector from a string or place it on a table at least 20 inches above the floor.
Record the start date and time: This is crucial for accurate analysis.
Maintain closed-house conditions: Keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible during the testing period.
Record the end date and time: Note when you remove the detector.
Mail the detector: Send the detector to the lab promptly, following the kit’s instructions.

Common mistakes to avoid when using DIY radon test kits include:

Not following instructions carefully: Each kit has specific instructions that must be followed for accurate results.
Testing in the wrong location: Placing the detector in a high-humidity area or near drafts can skew the results.
Not maintaining closed-house conditions: Opening windows and doors during the testing period can lower the radon level and give a false reading.
Delaying mailing the detector: The longer you wait to mail the detector, the less accurate the results may be.

If your DIY test reveals a radon level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to mitigate the problem. This is where professional help comes in.

Reno has several certified radon mitigation specialists who can assess your home and install a radon reduction system. These systems typically involve installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon from beneath the foundation and exhaust it outside. The cost of mitigation can range from $800 to $2500, depending on the complexity of the system.

Here are a few Reno-area certified radon mitigation specialists:

Radon Solutions of Nevada: (775) 828-7236
Nevada Radon Control: (775) 359-7236
Healthy Homes Radon Mitigation: (775) 376-0076

Don’t let the cost deter you. Several resources are available to help Reno seniors afford radon mitigation. The Nevada Radon Education Program offers information on potential financial assistance programs. Additionally, some local non-profits may provide grants or low-interest loans for home improvements that address health and safety concerns. Contacting the Nevada Housing Division is also a good starting point to explore available options.

Beyond mitigation, addressing the draftiness of your home can also help reduce radon infiltration. Energy-efficient home improvements, such as sealing cracks and gaps, insulating walls and attics, and upgrading windows and doors, can significantly reduce air leakage and improve indoor air quality.

Here are some cost-effective weatherization tips for Reno seniors:

Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk and weather stripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy DIY project.
Insulate your attic: Adding insulation to your attic can significantly reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Install storm windows or replace old windows: Storm windows can add an extra layer of insulation and reduce drafts. Replacing old, inefficient windows with energy-efficient models can also make a big difference.
Seal ductwork: Leaky ductwork can waste energy and draw radon into your home. Sealing ducts can improve energy efficiency and reduce radon infiltration.

The Southwest Gas Corporation offers energy efficiency programs for Nevada residents, including rebates for insulation, window upgrades, and other energy-saving measures. NV Energy also provides similar programs. These programs can help offset the cost of weatherization projects and make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Remember, protecting yourself from radon is an investment in your health and well-being. By testing your home, mitigating elevated radon levels, and addressing draftiness, you can create a safer and healthier living environment for your golden years in Reno. Don’t wait; take action today.