Why Pennsylvania Has Some of the Highest Radon Levels in the Country
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for elevated radon levels and most homeowners dont know it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for ~21,000 deaths per year.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas from uranium decay in soil and rock. Its invisible, odorless, and tasteless the only way to know if its in your home is to test.
Why Pennsylvania Is High-Risk
- Geology: Uranium-rich rock formations, especially the Reading Prong in SE PA
- Soil: Limestone, shale, and granite bedrock produce higher radon
- Climate: Sealed homes in winter allow radon to accumulate
- Basements: Most PA homes have basements where radon concentrates
SE PA County Risk Levels
- Montgomery County: Zone 1 (highest risk)
- Chester County: Zone 1
- Bucks County: Zone 1
- Berks County: Zone 1
- Delaware County: Zone 2 (moderate, still above national averages)
How to Protect Your Family
- Test your home. Professional radon testing is the only way to know your levels.
- Test every 2 years. Radon levels change over time.
- Mitigate if needed. Sub-slab depressurization systems reduce levels by up to 99%.
- Maintain your system. Replace the fan every 510 years.
The Bottom Line
Radon is serious but completely manageable with testing and mitigation. Call 610-228-7440 to schedule professional radon testing.
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Quick Answer
Why Is Radon So High in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has some of the highest radon levels in the United States because it sits on uranium-rich rock formations (especially the Reading Prong), has limestone and granite bedrock that produces radon, and most homes have basements where radon accumulates. Approximately 40% of PA homes have radon above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
- ~40% of PA homes have radon above EPA action level (4.0 pCi/L)
- Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer ~21,000 deaths/year in the US
- All 5 SE PA counties we serve are EPA Zone 1 or Zone 2 (highest risk)
- You can't see, smell, or taste radon testing is the only way to know
- Test every 2 years levels change with settling and seasons
- Mitigation systems reduce radon by up to 99%
