How Radon Enters Utah Homes — And What to Do About It

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into your home without warning—and Utah ranks among the highest-risk states in the U.S. when it comes to radon exposure. But how exactly does radon enter Utah homes, and what can you do to keep your family safe?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Radon?

Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It’s a gas that can rise through the ground and enter buildings through even the smallest gaps and cracks. Once inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels—especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas like basements and crawl spaces.

Why Utah Homes Are at Risk

Utah’s unique geological makeup—especially in mountain regions and valleys—contains soil types rich in uranium. Combined with our seasonal freeze-thaw cycles and varied elevations, this creates ideal conditions for radon to migrate into homes.

In fact, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality has reported that 1 in 3 Utah homes test above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

How Radon Gets In

Here are the most common radon entry points in Utah homes:

Cracks in basement floors and walls
Construction joints
Gaps around service pipes or wiring
Floor drains and sump pumps
Crawlspaces with exposed dirt
Poorly sealed foundations

Because radon gas is drawn into homes by natural pressure differences (warm air rising indoors creates a vacuum), it’s most common in lower levels like basements.

What You Can Do: Radon Mitigation in Utah

The good news? Radon problems are fixable.

Professional radon mitigation in Utah typically involves installing a sub-slab depressurization system, which pulls radon from beneath your foundation and vents it safely above your roofline. Other solutions include:

Sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation
Installing ventilation fans in crawl spaces
Continuous radon monitoring to track levels year-round

Mitigation systems are quiet, low-maintenance, and can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

Protect Your Home and Health

If you haven’t tested your home for radon yet, now is the time. Winter months—when homes are sealed tightly—are ideal for accurate testing. And if your levels are elevated, Utah Mitigation can install a custom system tailored to your home’s layout and soil conditions.

Ready to Schedule a Radon Test or Mitigation System?

Utah Mitigation specializes in fast, professional radon testing and mitigation systems across the state—from Salt Lake City to St. George. Request a free quote today and breathe easy knowing your home is protected.

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for educational purposes only. For specific advice or services, consult with a certified radon mitigation professional.

How Radon Enters Utah Homes — And What to Do About It