Why Our Radon Standards Are Stricter Than The EPA

If your home tested at 3.9 pCi/L, most people would consider that “safe.” The EPA, however, states there is no known safe level of radon exposure. 

At American Radon Mitigation, we believe your family deserves better than simply meeting a threshold. That’s why we offer one of the lowest guarantees in Colorado at 1.5 pCi/L or less*. Our average post-mitigation result is 0.4 pCi/L, bringing indoor radon levels close to those found in outdoor air. 

Achieving these results is not a matter of chance. It’s the outcome of a deliberate, diagnostic-driven approach to system design. 

Most standard mitigation systems are designed to meet the EPA’s 4.0 pCi/L threshold. Our process is different. It involves in-depth diagnostic testing and system engineering, which is why our projects are a significant investment compared to typical mitigation systems. 

The Science of Certainty: Diagnostic Testing vs. Assumptions 

Many mitigation systems are installed using the “poke and hope” approach, designed for speed and to reduce radon to below 4.0 pCi/L. While this approach may reduce radon levels, it does not always address all of your home’s radon entry points. 

To achieve consistently low levels, we rely on Pressure Field Extension (PFE) testing. 

PFE testing involves drilling small test holes at key locations across the slab to measure the extent and strength of suction being applied beneath the slab. Using instruments called micromanometers, we gather real data that allows us to design a system based on the specific conditions of the home. 

This process removes guesswork and informs data-driven decisions such as pipe sizing, fan selection, and the number and placement of suction points. The result is a system designed for both effectiveness and efficiency. 

Addressing the Full Picture: Adjacent Slabs and Crawl Spaces 

Radon is a soil gas that follows the path of least resistance. Focusing only on the main foundation can leave other contributing areas unaddressed. 

Adjacent slabs: 

Attached garages, patios, concrete porches, and front steps that connect to the home’s foundation can act as pathways for radon entry. In some homes, these areas need to be incorporated into the system design to achieve the lowest possible radon levels. 

Learn more about how adjacent slabs can impact radon mitigation in this video. 

Crawl spaces: 

Homes with dirt crawl spaces often require a properly installed and sealed vapor barrier and active depressurization. Without this, the crawl space can continue to contribute radon into the living area. 

The Hidden Challenge: Sub-Slab Ductwork 

In some homes, HVAC ductwork is located beneath the concrete slab. 

These ducts are often not airtight and can draw radon directly from the soil, distributing it throughout the home when the HVAC system is operating. 

Depending on the home, there are several ways to address this condition: 

• Abandoning the ducts and applying suction directly to them 

• Improving the airtightness of the duct system 

• Designing the mitigation system to account for their presence 

Addressing sub-slab ductwork is often an important step in achieving lower radon levels. 

Learn more about sub-slab ducts in this video. 

Why Aim for 1.5 pCi/L or Less 

Reducing radon from 3.9 to 1.5 pCi/L or below is not a small improvement. Since there is no safe level of radon exposure, every bit of reduction matters. 

We approach each project with the same standard we would apply in our own home. Rather than aiming to meet a minimum threshold, our goal is to reduce radon levels as much as possible. 

Real Results 

Below are examples from past projects. These results reflect what is possible when systems are designed using diagnostic data rather than assumptions. 

What you can expect:

Radon levels before and after mitigation

Type of Mitigation Key:

SSD – Sub Slab Depressurization

DTD – Drain Tile Depressurization

SMD – Sub Membrane Depressurization

A Different Approach to Radon Mitigation 

If you’re looking for a standard system that meets basic guidelines, there are many qualified professionals who can help. 

If your goal is to reduce radon levels as much as possible and protect your family’s long-term health, we’d be happy to walk you through our diagnostic process and what that would look like for your home.