Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Blinker fluid, left-handed screwdrivers, and dehydrated water all have one thing in common: they don't exist. Radon gas, however, is very real — and in Utah real estate, it's something both buyers and sellers often question during inspections.
Unfortunately, unless radon testing is specifically requested, it usually isn't done. And that missed step can change lives forever.
A Utah family's warning
Just last year, two young children in Utah lost their 31-year-old mother, a healthy, non-smoking registered nurse, to lung cancer believed to be caused by radon exposure.
She had no risk factors. No history of smoking. Just a home with high radon levels.
This isn't fear-mongering — it's reality. According to the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year.
What exactly is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater.
It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, pipe gaps, or utility access points. Once inside, it can build up — especially in homes with basements or poor ventilation.
The problem? You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if radon is present is to test.
Why Realtors matter
Buying or selling a home already involves countless inspections, from electrical systems to lead paint disclosures.
But radon testing often gets overlooked because it isn't a standard part of inspections and adds an extra cost.
This is where realtors play a critical role. By educating their clients about radon and recommending testing, realtors can protect families in ways that go far beyond contracts and negotiations.
As one Utah non-smoking lung cancer patient who pays $16,000 a month for her lung cancer treatment put it: "A radon test is a hell of a lot cheaper than lung cancer."
Testing is easy — and free
Testing for radon doesn't require hazmat suits or government-issued Geiger counters.
A simple device is placed in the home — usually in the basement — for 48 to 72 hours to measure radon levels.
Best of all, UtahRadon.org provides one free test kit for homeowners.
The kit, shipping, and lab fees are all covered. Setup takes just a few minutes, and results can give families peace of mind.
If levels come back high (2.0 pCi/L or above), the EPA and WHO recommend considering mitigation.
The fix is simple
A sub-slab depressurization system — a fan and some PVC pipe — vents radon gas safely above the roofline. Installation is quick, and professionals throughout Utah specialize in this type of work.
Compared to the cost of treating cancer, the fix is both inexpensive and life-saving.
A radon test is a hell of a lot cheaper than lung cancer.
–Stage four non-smoking lung cancer patient
Realtors can lead the way
Realtors are uniquely positioned to normalize radon testing during the home inspection process. Just as lead paint disclosures are required for homes built before 1978, radon testing should become a standard recommendation for every home.
By making radon testing part of the conversation, realtors not only protect their clients but also elevate their professional standards.
Take action today
Testing is simple, mitigation is straightforward, and the cost of ignoring it is too high.
To receive a free radon test kit for your home, visit UtahRadon.org. It only takes 15 minutes to set up — and it could save a life.
This article was written by Jen Fischer, a real estate broker with 19 years of experience helping homeowners find safe and healthy homes.
