What is Radon Testing?
Did you know that radon exposure ranks as the second leading cause of lung cancer and lung cancer-related deaths in the United States, right after smoking?
Radon testing is a process of measuring the levels of radon gas in a home or building. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is naturally present in the environment. It is produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon is a health hazard when it accumulates indoors, particularly in confined spaces like basements. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers or individuals with a family history of lung cancer.
About Radon Gas
Radon Testing Methods
- Short-Term Testing: Uses a radon testing device in the lowest livable area for 2–7 days. Results are analyzed in a lab.
- Long-Term Testing: Uses a continuous monitor for 90+ days to track radon fluctuations over time for more accurate results.
Radon Levels & Safety
- EPA Action Level: 4 pCi/L—mitigation is recommended if levels exceed this.
- Health Risks: No safe threshold; prolonged exposure increases lung cancer risk, especially for smokers.
Radon Maps
- Show regional radon levels based on testing data.
- Darker colors indicate higher radon concentrations; lighter colors indicate lower levels.
What is Our Process?
Radstar Monitor
Our company is licensed by the state of Michigan and Ohio and utilize Radstar Continuous Monitors. They are far more accurate than any over the counter test kits.
Placement In The Home
The Radstar monitor is placed in the lowest livable location of the home such as a basement and collects a reading every hour for a minimum of 48 hours.
Radstar Upload
After the monitor has been sitting in the home for 48 hours, the readings are sent electronically to Radstar for analysis.
Detailed Report
We then provide a detailed report within 24 hours of receiving the data. The report explains in depth the measurements and readings the continuous monitor took while in the home.
Follow Up
As always with our company, we are here to assist our clients with any questions they may have.
Concerns About Radon
Radon gas is a serious health hazard that often goes unnoticed in homes, schools, and commercial properties throughout Toledo, Lucas County, and the surrounding communities. As a colorless and odorless gas, radon can accumulate indoors without any obvious signs, putting families, students, and employees at risk. The EPA has identified radon as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, making radon gas exposure a critical concern for everyone in Ohio.
Keep in mind that there is no completely “safe” level of radon; the EPA acknowledges that any exposure carries some degree of risk. The goal of mitigation is to reduce levels as low as reasonably achievable. And for smokers or former smokers in the home, the urgency of addressing elevated levels is even greater.
Regional Radon Concerns
- Areas like Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, Maumee, Findlay, Oregon, and Port Clinton have uranium-rich soil that can lead to higher radon concentrations.
- Radon can accumulate in homes, schools, and commercial properties throughout Lucas County and surrounding communities.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
- Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- The risk is even greater for smokers, but non-smokers are not immune—radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year.
- Radon is undetectable without specialized equipment, so professional radon testing is the only way to know if your property is affected.
Protecting Your Property and Loved Ones
- Schedule professional radon testing with a licensed company experienced in radon environmental services.
- If elevated radon levels are found, a radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce radon gas to safer levels.
- Radon mitigation services are highly effective and provide peace of mind that your home or business is protected.
Importance in Real Estate and Commercial Settings
- Radon testing is a crucial step in real estate transactions and home inspections throughout Toledo and Lucas County.
- Buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals increasingly expect radon testing to be part of the inspection process.
- Schools and commercial properties benefit from regular radon testing and mitigation to ensure a healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Radon Levels in Toledo, OH
Not all areas of the country carry the same radon risk — and Toledo homeowners should be aware of what the data says about their region.
Toledo and Lucas County fall under EPA Radon Zone 2, meaning average predicted indoor levels range between 2 and 4 pCi/L. However, individual homes in Zone 2 regularly test well above that range. Ohio as a whole is considered one of the higher-risk states in the country, with half of Ohio homes estimated to have radon levels above the EPA action level, driven by the state’s underlying geology.
It’s critical to understand that radon levels vary significantly from home to home — even between next-door neighbors. Differences in foundation type, soil composition, construction materials, and ventilation all affect how much radon accumulates indoors. A low result at a neighboring property tells you nothing about the radon level in your home.
Whether your Toledo home was built in 1955 or 2022, whether it has a finished basement or a crawl space, whether you’ve lived there for decades or are closing next week, your home should be tested.
In Toledo, radon testing typically involves using continuous radon monitors that provide hourly readings and deliver results within 52 hours, ensuring accurate assessments of radon levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to test for radon in Toledo?
Winter is generally the best time to test. During colder months, homes are closed up and less ventilated, which causes radon to accumulate at its highest natural concentration. A winter test gives you the most conservative — and therefore most protective — reading. That said, radon testing is valuable any time of year, and you should not delay testing simply because of the season.
Do I need a radon test when buying a home in Toledo?
It is strongly recommended and increasingly expected. Many buyers and their agents request radon testing as a standard part of the home inspection process. Lenders and real estate professionals throughout the Toledo market recognize the importance of a professional, licensed radon result — and a clean report can provide peace of mind, while an elevated result gives you the opportunity to negotiate mitigation before closing.
What happens if my radon levels are high?
If your results come back at or above 4 pCi/L, the next step is radon mitigation — typically a sub-slab depressurization system installed by a licensed Ohio contractor. These systems are highly effective and relatively affordable. InsideOut can help point you in the right direction for licensed mitigation services in the Toledo area.
How long does the testing process take?
The Radstar Continuous Monitor remains in your home for a minimum of 48 hours. After the monitor is retrieved, results are transmitted and your written report is delivered within 24 hours — so the full process from placement to report is typically around 3 days.
Why is professional radon testing better than a DIY kit?
It’s a matter of accuracy. While DIY kits are a cheap starting point, they are “passive” devices that only provide a single, broad average. Because radon levels fluctuate wildly based on weather, humidity, and even how often you open your door, a one-time snapshot can easily miss a dangerous spike or trigger a false alarm.
