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There are many myths about radon, and being misinformed on the subject could lead to severe health problems later on, including lung cancer. We try our best to keep you informed, so we’ve compiled a list of common myths on the topic and the truth about them as well!

•  Myth 1:  Radon is not dangerous.
• Truth: While you can’t see or smell radon, it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States.
•  Myth 2: The newer the home, the less likely you will need testing. 
• Truth: All homes have a risk of having a radon problem. Whether your home is new or old, you should always get your home tested for radon. 
•  Myth 3:  Radon only affects certain parts of the country. 
• Truth: Radon has been found in every state, along with the rest of the world. While some areas are affected more, it’s still important to check for any problems.
•  Myth 4: Your neighbor’s radon levels show an accurate representation of your own home. 
• Truth: The construction differences between your neighbor’s home and yours could affect radon levels between the two properties, or even the distance between homes could leave a difference in soil. You won’t know what your radon levels are unless you get it tested in your home. 
•  Myth 5: You’ve lived in your home for so long, testing doesn’t matter anymore. 
• Truth: Long-term exposure to radon causes lung cancer, so the longer you have high radon levels in your home, the more at risk you are of getting sick. It’s important to test your home no matter how long you’ve lived there. 
• Myth 6: Not every home’s radon problems can be fixed. 

• Truth: While some ways to fix radon levels may be expensive, there is always a way to fix them. Sometimes it’s as simple as mitigation, and other times it’s a matter of foundation problems. 
•  Myth 7: You’ve already tested your home a few years ago, so it doesn’t need to be tested again. 
• Truth: The United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you test your home every two years to ensure levels remain low, or after every home renovation. 
•  Myth 8: Radon testing is expensive and time-consuming. 
• Truth: Radon testing can be inexpensive depending on how you get it done, and it can take as little as 2-3 days, although long-term testing can give you a more accurate reading. 
•  Myth 9: You can easily do radon testing yourself. 
• Truth:  This one actually is true, but it’s more likely to get inaccurate levels than if you were to hire a professional. Also, hiring a professional may help get answers as to how to fix any problems you may have.