Radon Testing 

Protecting Northwest Montana Homes from a Silent Health Risk

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter homes through cracks in concrete or wood floors, gaps in walls, cavities inside walls, openings around service pipes, sumps, and other foundation penetrations. Because indoor air pressure is typically lower than the pressure in the surrounding soil, homes act like a vacuum and draw radon gas indoors.

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (after smoking) and the leading cause among non-smokers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon contributes to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. There is no known safe level of exposure—risk increases with higher concentrations and longer duration of exposure.

Montana ranks among the higher-risk states for radon due to its geology. Many counties, including those in Northwest Montana, fall into EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest potential), where average indoor levels often exceed the national action level.

How Radon Levels Are Measured

Radon concentrations are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).

  • EPA Action Level: 4.0 pCi/L or higher — the EPA strongly recommends mitigation.
  • Consider mitigation: Levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L (especially for long-term occupancy or households with smokers/children).
  • National average indoor level is approximately 1.3 pCi/L; outdoor air averages about 0.4 pCi/L.

Radon levels can fluctuate significantly by season, weather, time of day, and even room-to-room. A single short-term screening test indicates the potential for a problem. Follow-up testing (or continuous monitoring) is often recommended to better determine the long-term average exposure in the home.

Professional Testing Services

At Quinn Inspections and Environmental Testing, we provide professional radon testing as an Add-on  of our comprehensive home inspection and environmental services for residential, multi-family, and commercial properties throughout Northwest Montana (Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and surrounding areas).

Our testing follows established protocols to deliver reliable results you can trust. We recommend testing:

  • During real estate transactions
  • After major renovations or additions
  • Periodically in existing homes (every 2–5 years is prudent, or after system installation)
  • In new construction (even homes built with radon-resistant features)

Mitigation Guidance

If elevated levels are confirmed, effective reduction is achievable. The most common and proven method is active soil (sub-slab or sub-membrane) depressurization—a system that uses a fan and piping to continuously draw radon from beneath the foundation and vent it safely above the roofline. Properly designed and installed systems typically reduce radon levels by 80–99%.

We can discuss testing results, recommend qualified mitigation professionals when needed, and help you understand next steps. Sealing cracks, improving ventilation, and other measures can provide additional support, but they are generally not sufficient alone for levels at or above the EPA action level.

Resources

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radon information: epa.gov/radon
  • National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) / AARST standards
  • Montana state radon resources and certified professionals

Have questions or ready to schedule testing?
Contact D. Quinn Construction Inc. today.
Phone: 406-755-5322
 

With more than 30 years of experience and over 13,000 inspections completed, Quinn Inspections delivers independent, professional evaluations you can rely on for peace of mind.