Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the ground. This colorless and odorless gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium. It is typically found in rock, soil, and less frequently well water.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, with about 2,900 of these occurring in people who have never smoked.
Radon is found in every region of Wisconsin. The amount of Radon gas present in a home is dependent on many factors, including home construction. This means that neighboring homes may have significantly different radon levels.
The only way you know if you have high radon in your home is to test.
Radon Test Kits
Testing for radon in your home is easy. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your test kit. If you have never tested for radon before, you should start with a short-term test.
Two Types of Radon Test Kits Are Available at our North and South Offices.
Kits can also be mailed for an additional $4.00 shipping and handling fee.
Short Term Kits
-$11 each in person/ $15 shipped*
- Full instructions will be included with your kit.
- Inexpensive, accurate, and quick radon tests
- Best for preliminary testing
- 48-96 hour exposure time
- Laboratory testing is included
Long Term Kits
-$25 each in person/ $29 shipped*
- Full instructions will be included with your kit
- Provides an accurate picture of average radon levels over longer periods of time
- Best used for follow-up testing
- 91-365 day exposure time
- Laboratory testing is included
Order by Mail or Online
- Short Term - $15, Long Term - $29 (includes $4 for shipping the kit to you)
- Also available directly from Doctor Home Air
By Mail
Print and complete the
Radon Test Kit Order Form [pdf].
Mail the completed order form and a check to:
Rock County Health Department
PO Box 1088
Janesville, WI 53547-1088
-- or --
Rock County Health Department
61 Eclipse Center
Beloit, WI 53511
Order Online / Pay by Credit Card
Order and Pay with a credit card via the following link.
What do my results mean?
Please visit the
Wisconsin Department of Health Services radon website for information on interpreting radon results. The EPA recommends that you fix your home if your yearlong average radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or more. The average radon level in the United States is estimated to be 1.3 pCi/L indoors and 0.4 pCi/L outdoors. If you are unsure about what your results mean or whether follow-up testing is required, contact us at (608) 757-5440 for assistance.
Fixing Your Home
Radon can be reduced to low levels in most homes. The most common radon reduction method is called
sub-slab depressurization. These systems can cost from around $750 to $1,500. It is highly recommend that you use a
certified installer.