Radon is a word that many homeowners have heard, but few fully understand – until it becomes a serious health concern. This invisible, odorless gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States, and it can be lurking in homes across the country without a single visible warning sign. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re in a high radon area – and if radon mitigation might be necessary – you’re asking exactly the right question.
What Is Radon & Where Does It Come From?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium and radium in soil and rock break down over time. As it releases from the ground, radon seeps into buildings through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, construction joints, and even through concrete block walls. Because it’s heavier than air, it tends to accumulate in lower levels of a home – basements, crawl spaces, and ground-floor rooms – where concentrations can build to dangerous levels over time.
The key thing to understand is that radon doesn’t discriminate based on how new or old your home is. A newly constructed home can have just as much radon as a decades-old one. What matters most is what’s happening beneath the structure.
Does Soil Composition Affect Radon Levels?
Absolutely – and this is one of the most important factors that determines how much radon a property is exposed to. Radon levels are directly tied to the type of soil and rock found beneath a given home or building. Some soil types are far more likely to produce and release radon than others.
Soils and bedrock that contain high concentrations of uranium, radium, thorium, or phosphate are the biggest contributors to radon production. As these elements break down, they release radon gas that migrates upward through the soil and into structures above.
Does this mean if one home has high radon, their neighbor probably does too? Not necessarily. Even within a single neighborhood, soil composition can vary enough to cause dramatically different radon readings from one home to the next. This is why testing your specific property is the only reliable way to know your actual radon level.
Does the Type of Property or Home Construction Matter?
Yes, significantly. While radon can enter any structure built on soil, certain property and construction types create more opportunities for radon to accumulate indoors.
- Basements are the highest-risk area in any home. Because they sit closest to the soil and often have exposed concrete floors, block walls, and utility penetrations, radon has multiple entry points and tends to concentrate in these lower levels first.
- Crawl space homes are also at elevated risk, particularly when the crawl space has exposed soil rather than a sealed vapor barrier. That open soil acts as a direct gateway for radon to enter the living space above.
- Slab-on-grade construction is generally considered lower risk than basement homes, but it is not immune. Radon can still enter through cracks in the slab, pipe penetrations, and expansion joints.
- Tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes present another interesting risk factor. While great for reducing utility bills, homes with minimal air exchange can trap radon indoors at higher concentrations because there’s less opportunity for the gas to escape naturally.
In short, if your home has a basement or crawl space, your radon risk is higher, and professional testing and mitigation should be a top priority.
Which Areas of the Country Have the Highest Radon Levels?
The EPA has divided the United States into three radon zones based on predicted average indoor radon levels:
- Zone 1: Highest potential (predicted average above 4 pCi/L)
- Zone 2: Moderate potential (between 2–4 pCi/L)
- Zone 3: Low potential (below 2 pCi/L)
The highest-risk Zone 1 areas are heavily concentrated in the Midwest, Mountain West, and parts of the Northeast — regions where uranium-rich geology and glacial soil deposits are most common. States like Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Wyoming consistently rank among the highest for radon activity.
However, it is critical to note that homes in Zone 2 and Zone 3 can still test above the EPA’s action guideline of 4 pCi/L. Local soil conditions, home construction, and ventilation all play a role, meaning no homeowner should assume they’re safe based solely on their state or region.
Is Radon a Concern in Michigan Specifically?
Michigan is one of the more radon-affected states in the country. 1 in 4 homes in Michigan tests high for radon, making it a widespread concern that affects homeowners across the state – not just in isolated pockets.
Michigan’s geology includes glacial deposits and bedrock conditions that allow radon to migrate upward into homes. Communities like Livonia in the Metro Detroit area and Kalamazoo in southwestern Michigan both see significant radon activity. Radon levels can vary dramatically street by street, and even house by house, so the fact that a neighbor tested low means very little about what’s happening in your own home.
If you own property in Michigan, whether it’s a newer construction or an older home, whether it has a basement or a crawl space, radon testing is not optional. It’s essential.
What About the Indianapolis Area?
Indianapolis, Indiana falls within a region that also experiences significant radon activity. Indiana has a high percentage of homes with elevated radon levels, and the Indianapolis metro area is no exception. The state’s geological composition includes areas with naturally occurring uranium deposits that directly fuel radon production beneath homes and buildings.
Homeowners in Indianapolis should be every bit as vigilant as those in Michigan. The Midwest, broadly speaking, is a region where radon mitigation is not a luxury — it’s a meaningful investment in your family’s long-term health.
What Can Be Done About Elevated Radon Levels?
The good news is that elevated radon levels are completely fixable. At Great Lakes Radon, we design and install custom radon mitigation systems tailored specifically to your home’s foundation type, layout, and radon readings. No two homes are the same, and our solutions reflect that.
Our team is NRPP and AARST certified, and we stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on every system we install. We’re also proud to offer our 4.0 Low Level Guarantee, frequently achieving radon levels below 2.7 pCi/L – well below the EPA’s recommended action level. For homes with crawl spaces, we also offer crawl space encapsulation to seal off one of the most common radon entry points entirely.
Book With Us Today
Radon is a manageable problem, but only when it’s identified and addressed. Don’t assume your area is safe, your home is too new, or your neighbor’s clean test result applies to your property. Contact Great Lakes Radon today to schedule your mitigation consultation.
Your family deserves clean air. Let us help you protect it. Reach out today.