Radon

Why Pennsylvania Has Some of the Highest Radon Levels in the Country

By Stephen George, Founder of My Water Damage Hero · April 01, 2026 · 2 min read

Radon testing equipment in Pennsylvania home

Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for elevated radon levels and most homeowners dont know it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for ~21,000 deaths per year.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas from uranium decay in soil and rock. Its invisible, odorless, and tasteless the only way to know if its in your home is to test.

Why Pennsylvania Is High-Risk

Geology: Uranium-rich rock formations, especially the Reading Prong in SE PA
Soil: Limestone, shale, and granite bedrock produce higher radon
Climate: Sealed homes in winter allow radon to accumulate
Basements: Most PA homes have basements where radon concentrates

SE PA County Risk Levels

Montgomery County: Zone 1 (highest risk)
Chester County: Zone 1
Bucks County: Zone 1
Berks County: Zone 1
Delaware County: Zone 2 (moderate, still above national averages)

How to Protect Your Family

Test your home. Professional radon testing is the only way to know your levels.
Test every 2 years. Radon levels change over time.
Mitigate if needed. Sub-slab depressurization systems reduce levels by up to 99%.
Maintain your system. Replace the fan every 510 years.

The Bottom Line

Radon is serious but completely manageable with testing and mitigation. Call 610-228-7440 to schedule professional radon testing.

Test Your Home for Radon

Certified Radon Testing

Related Services

Why Is Radon So High in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has some of the highest radon levels in the United States because it sits on uranium-rich rock formations (especially the Reading Prong), has limestone and granite bedrock that produces radon, and most homes have basements where radon accumulates. Approximately 40% of PA homes have radon above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

~40% of PA homes have radon above EPA action level (4.0 pCi/L)
Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer ~21,000 deaths/year in the US
All 5 SE PA counties we serve are EPA Zone 1 or Zone 2 (highest risk)
You can't see, smell, or taste radon testing is the only way to know
Test every 2 years levels change with settling and seasons
Mitigation systems reduce radon by up to 99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Pennsylvania have such high radon levels?+

Pennsylvania sits on uranium-rich rock formations, especially the Reading Prong in southeastern PA, with limestone, shale, and granite bedrock that produces radon. Sealed homes in winter let radon accumulate, and most PA homes have basements where radon concentrates. Approximately 40% of PA homes have radon above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

How can I tell if my home has radon?+

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon — professional testing is the only way to know your levels. Call 610-228-7440 to schedule testing.

How often should I test my home for radon?+

Test every 2 years, since radon levels change over time with settling, seasons, and home conditions.

Which Pennsylvania counties are at the highest risk?+

Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, and Berks counties are all EPA Zone 1 (highest risk), and Delaware County is Zone 2 (moderate, still above national averages).

Can high radon levels be fixed?+

Yes — radon is serious but completely manageable. Sub-slab depressurization systems reduce radon levels by up to 99%, and the system fan should be replaced every 5–10 years.

Dealing with water damage or mold?

Start with a free visual inspection. We’ll walk your property and give you honest, professional recommendations — no pressure, no guesswork.

📞 Call (610) 228-7440