Radon: The Invisible Risk in Florida Homes

Radon doesn’t have a smell, a color or a taste. You can’t see it and you won’t feel it — which is exactly what makes it dangerous. It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas, and according to the EPA it’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the leading cause among non-smokers.

Where radon comes from

Radon forms as uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It seeps up through the ground and can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and openings in slabs and crawl spaces. Once inside, it can accumulate to levels far higher than what’s found outdoors.

”But I’m in Florida”

A common myth is that radon is only a problem in northern states with basements. In reality, radon has been found at elevated levels in homes in every U.S. state, including Florida. Our geology, slab-on-grade construction and tightly sealed, air-conditioned homes all play a role. The only way to know your home’s level is to test it.

Short-term vs. long-term testing

There are two ways to measure radon, and they answer slightly different questions:

• Short-term testing runs 2–7 days and gives you a quick snapshot — ideal when you’re buying or selling and working against a deadline.
• Long-term testing runs 90+ days and captures your home’s true year-round average, since radon levels rise and fall with weather and season.

If you rely on well water, it’s also worth knowing that radon can dissolve into water and release indoors during everyday use — which is why radon in water testing exists.

The good news

Radon problems are fixable. If testing shows elevated levels, mitigation systems are well established and effective. The first and most important step is simply finding out where you stand. Schedule a radon test and take the guesswork out of it.