At the heart of the system is a continuously operating radon fan. The fan creates gentle suction, pulling radon gas from beneath the home into the piping system. From there, the gas is vented safely into the outdoor air above the roofline, where it quickly disperses and poses no health risk.
Importantly, the fan is placed outside the living space—typically in an attic, garage, or on the exterior of the home—so it does not introduce radon back indoors.
How effective is mitigation?
When properly installed, a radon mitigation system can reduce indoor radon levels by up to 99 percent. The system operates 24 hours a day and uses very little electricity—often comparable to running a standard light bulb. Once installed, homeowners are advised to retest periodically to ensure the system continues to perform effectively.
What mitigation does—and does not—do
A mitigation system does not stop radon from forming underground, nor does it rely solely on sealing cracks or gaps in the foundation. While sealing can support the system’s efficiency, mitigation works by controlling exposure, not by eliminating radon at its natural source.
When is mitigation recommended?
Mitigation is strongly recommended when radon testing shows levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the EPA’s action guideline. Many public-health experts and advocates also encourage mitigation at lower levels, especially for families with children or individuals at higher risk.
A quiet system that saves lives
Radon mitigation systems are unobtrusive, reliable, and proven. Most importantly, they address one of the leading environmental causes of lung cancer—often without homeowners ever hearing or noticing the system at work. In that quiet, constant operation lies their greatest value: protecting health by making homes safer places to live.