Most Raleigh homeowners have heard of radon, but many assume it’s a problem for mountain towns or northern states—not central North Carolina. The truth is radon is more common in Wake County than most people realize, and skipping testing could put families at risk. Since radon is invisible, odorless, and impossible to detect without a test, homeowners need to know the facts about how it shows up in local homes and why regular testing matters.
Why Radon Is a Concern in Wake County
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) divides the country into radon zones based on the likelihood of elevated levels. Wake County is considered a Zone 1 area, meaning it has the highest potential for indoor radon levels above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is the EPA’s recommended action threshold. This classification means radon is not just a possibility here—it’s a probability.
Local testing results confirm that a significant number of homes in this area show levels above the safe limit. That means a house that looks perfectly fine from the outside may be harboring unsafe levels of a radioactive gas indoors.
Where Radon Comes From
Radon forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. As uranium decays, radon gas is released and seeps upward through the ground. If a home has even tiny openings in its foundation—cracks in the slab, gaps around pipes, sump pumps, or crawlspaces—the gas can slip inside. Once indoors, it can become trapped, especially in modern homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency.
While basements tend to be the highest-risk areas, radon can accumulate in crawlspaces and even living spaces above ground level. That’s why every type of home in Wake County—from historic Raleigh bungalows to brand-new subdivisions in Cary or Apex—should be tested.
How Common Is Radon in Raleigh Homes?
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has reported elevated radon levels across much of the state, including Wake County. In fact, roughly one out of every five homes in certain local neighborhoods have been found to exceed safe levels. Because radon distribution is patchy, one home may test low while the one next door tests dangerously high. The only way to know your home’s status is to test it directly.
When Should You Test Your Home?
Homeowners in Wake County should test:
- When purchasing or selling a home
- Every 2–5 years as part of routine maintenance
- After foundation repairs, renovations, or HVAC upgrades
- If a nearby property shows elevated results
Short-term test kits can provide a snapshot of radon levels, but professional testing offers the most reliable results, especially during real estate transactions. Certified testers use continuous radon monitors to measure levels over several days, providing a clear picture of the home’s safety.
What Happens if Your Test Is High?
The good news is that elevated radon levels can almost always be reduced. Mitigation systems, often installed in just one day, use a fan and vent pipe to draw radon from beneath the foundation and release it safely outside. These systems are highly effective, usually lowering indoor radon levels by as much as 99%. Once installed, periodic follow-up testing helps ensure the system continues working properly.
Radon Awareness Is Growing in Wake County
More realtors, home inspectors, and health officials are urging radon testing in Wake County because of the growing data showing its presence in local homes. Homeowners who take this step protect their families, add value to their property, and avoid unexpected surprises if they ever decide to sell.
The Bottom Line for Raleigh Residents
Radon is far more common in Wake County than many people think, and the risks are too serious to ignore. Testing is simple, affordable, and could prevent long-term health issues. Whether you live in downtown Raleigh, suburban Cary, or out in Fuquay-Varina, the only way to be sure your home is safe is to test it.
Reach out to AAA Environmental Solutions today to schedule radon testing for your home.