What Happens to the Radon Once It's Sucked Out or Mitigated?

Tuesday, June 17th by Isamel Lopez

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If you've ever looked into protecting your home from radon, you've probably asked yourself, “Once it’s removed… where does it go?” It’s a great question and as a company dedicated to improving indoor air quality, we love helping people understand how radon mitigation really works.

At National Radon Defense, we believe education leads to action, and action saves lives.

Understanding What Radon Is First

Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally forms when uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless, which means it can accumulate in your home without you even knowing it. Long-term radon gas exposure can lead to radon poisoning, with radon exposure symptoms including persistent cough, chest pain, and, ultimately, lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

That’s why radon remediation, or radon reduction, is so critical.

So… How Does Radon Mitigation Work?

Here’s the simple version: A radon mitigation contractor installs a system that pulls radon gas from beneath your home and vents it safely outside before it ever enters your living space.

This process is called sub-slab depressurization (yes, it sounds intense but it works). A pipe is inserted through the foundation slab or crawl space, connected to a fan that continuously sucks the gas out from beneath your home, and vents it above the roofline where it safely dissipates into the outdoor air. And no, radon doesn’t “build up” outside. Outdoors, it’s so diluted in the atmosphere until gone that it poses no health risk.

Where Does the Radon Gas Go?

Once it's pulled out by the radon mitigation fan, it travels up the venting system and disperses into the open air; harmlessly. Because radon gas is naturally occurring in the soil, the goal of radon reduction isn't to eliminate it from existence, but to prevent it from concentrating inside your home where it becomes dangerous. Think of it like a chimney. Just as smoke needs to be vented outdoors, radon needs a proper path to escape safely one that keeps your family protected.

Estimate Radon Mitigation System Cost

We get this question all the time: How much is a radon mitigation system? The answer can vary depending on your home’s size, foundation type, and local soil conditions, but on average: The radon mitigation system cost typically ranges from $800 up to $3,500 depending on the structure. Most homeowners will find that their radon mitigation cost lands around the $1,200 to $1,500 mark but again, it will always depend upon the home or area. It’s a one-time investment that provides long-term peace of mind

When you consider what’s at stake like your family’s health, the cost of a radon mitigation system is a small price to pay.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Not all mitigation systems are created equal. Choosing a qualified radon mitigation contractor ensures your system is installed properly, is code-compliant, and effectively reduces radon levels. That’s why we recommend working with a certified National Radon Defense dealer in your area. They’re trained to diagnose your home correctly, explain everything clearly, and design a system that’s right for your situation.

What Radon Can Do To You

If you haven’t tested your home yet, it’s the first step. You can pick up a low-cost radon test kit, or contact one of our trusted professionals for a more comprehensive evaluation. And if you’ve already tested and found high levels—don’t panic. Mitigation is straightforward, affordable, and effective.

At National Radon Defense, we’re on a mission to help families breathe easier. Whether you’re just learning about radon gas symptoms or actively searching for a radon mitigation contractor, we’re here to help every step of the way.