How Does Radon Get Into Your Home? | US EPA

Home » How Does Radon Get Into Homes » How Does Radon Get Into Your Home? | US EPA

Maybe your like

Skip to main content Dot gov

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Radon
How does radon get into your home?

Any home may have a radon problem.

Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

For more information, visit our Radon web page and read A Citizen’s Guide to Radon The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon (pdf) (733 KB) (December 2016, EPA 402/K12/002).

Radon

Open Sidenav Menu Close Sidenav Menu
  • Indoor Air Quality Home Page
  • Radon Risks and Solutions
  • National Radon Action Plan
  • Standards of Practice
  • State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Radon Resources
Contact Us about Radon Contact Us about Radon to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. Last updated on March 27, 2025

Tag » How Does Radon Get Into Homes