Should Portland Residents Test for Radon?
Yes. Multnomah County, OR is in EPA Radon Zone 1, with average indoor radon levels of 4.2 pCi/L. This exceeds the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, meaning radon mitigation is recommended for most homes in this area.
The EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor, regardless of zone. Radon levels vary dramatically from house to house—even identical homes on the same street can have vastly different readings.
What Does Zone 1 Mean for Portland?
The EPA divides the United States into three radon zones based on predicted average indoor radon levels. Multnomah County, OR falls into Zone 1.
EPA Radon Zone Definitions:
⚠️ Important: Zones Are Predictions, Not Guarantees
Even in Zone 1, individual homes vary wildly. Your neighbor's home could test at 2 pCi/L while yours tests at 15 pCi/L. Soil composition, foundation type, ventilation, and dozens of other factors affect radon levels. Testing is the only way to know your home's actual radon level.
Multnomah County, OR Radon Statistics
Data source: EPA radon zone maps, state radon surveys, and residential testing data. Averages represent typical indoor radon levels but do not predict individual home readings.
How to Test for Radon in Portland
Radon testing is simple and inexpensive. You have two main options: short-term DIY test kits or professional long-term monitoring.
Option 1: DIY Short-Term Test Kits
Best for: Initial screening, real estate transactions, post-mitigation verification
How it works:
- Purchase a certified radon test kit (hardware store or online)
- Place in lowest lived-in level of home (basement or first floor)
- Leave undisturbed for 2-7 days (follow kit instructions)
- Mail to lab for analysis
- Receive results in 1-2 weeks
Recommended Test Kits:
- • First Alert RD1 Radon Test Kit (~$15-20, widely available)
- • AccuStar Radon Test Kit (~$15-25, lab-analyzed)
- • Air Chek Radon Test Kit (~$20-30, professional-grade)
Cost: $15-30 per test kit
Option 2: Continuous Digital Monitor
Best for: Year-round monitoring, accurate long-term readings, peace of mind
How it works:
- • Plug in digital radon monitor
- • Get real-time readings within 24 hours
- • Monitor long-term trends (radon fluctuates seasonally)
- • No lab fees or recurring costs
Top-Rated Continuous Monitors:
Airthings View Plus
Best overall - radon + 6 other air quality metrics
Airthings Corentium Home
Budget option - radon only, battery-powered
RadonEye RD200
Pro-grade accuracy, fast readings
Cost: $150-330 one-time purchase (no ongoing fees)
💡 Testing Best Practices for Portland Homes
- • Test in winter when homes are sealed tight (radon levels highest)
- • Test lowest lived-in level (basement if finished, otherwise first floor)
- • Keep windows/doors closed 12 hours before and during test
- • Avoid testing during storms (barometric pressure affects readings)
- • Test again after major renovations or foundation work
Radon Mitigation Costs in Portland
If your test results show radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system. Here's what to expect in the Portland area:
Portland Mitigation Cost Estimates:
Standard Sub-Slab Installation
Typical single-family home, accessible crawlspace/basement
Complex Installation
Multiple suction points, difficult access, slab-on-grade
High-End/Commercial
Large homes, commercial buildings, advanced systems
What's Included:
- ✓ Pre-mitigation radon test
- ✓ PVC piping and fan installation
- ✓ Electrical work (dedicated circuit)
- ✓ Post-mitigation verification test
- ✓ System warranty (typically 5 years)
- ✓ Manometer for monitoring system function
Annual Operating Costs:
- • Electricity: $100-150/year
- • Fan replacement: $200-400 every 7-12 years
- • Annual testing: $15-30 (DIY kit)
- • Total: ~$125/year average
💰 Get Multiple Quotes
Radon mitigation prices vary significantly between contractors in the Portland area. Always get at least 3 written quotes. Ask about warranties, post-mitigation guarantees (target level < 4 pCi/L or < 2 pCi/L), and whether they're certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
Why Portland Residents Should Care About Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for 21,000 deaths annually. It's the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Health Risks by Radon Level:
Equivalent to smoking 2 packs/day
Equivalent to smoking 1 pack/day
EPA action level - mitigation recommended
The good news: Radon-induced lung cancer is highly preventable. Testing costs $15-30, and mitigation systems reduce radon levels by 90-99%. For Portland homeowners in Zone 1, testing is a small investment that could save your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does radon testing take in Portland?
Short-term DIY kits take 2-7 days of exposure time, plus 1-2 weeks for lab results (total: 2-3 weeks). Continuous digital monitors provide preliminary readings within 24 hours, with accurate long-term averages available after 30-90 days of monitoring.
Can I install a radon mitigation system myself?
Technically yes, but not recommended. DIY systems often fail to reduce radon below 4 pCi/L, may create negative pressure issues, and void home warranties. Professional installation costs $1,200-1,800 and includes post-mitigation testing to verify the system works. Most Portland building codes require professional installation.
Does radon affect property values in Portland?
High radon levels (4+ pCi/L) can delay or kill real estate transactions if discovered during inspection. However, a properly installed mitigation system actually increases home value by demonstrating the issue has been addressed professionally. In Zone 1 areas like Portland, buyers expect radon testing and mitigation systems are common.
How often should I test for radon in Portland?
EPA recommends testing every 2 years, or immediately after: major renovations, foundation repairs, HVAC system changes, or if you finish a basement. Radon levels fluctuate seasonally and can change over time as soil settles and homes age. Continuous monitors make year-round tracking easy.
Protect Your Portland Home Today
With Portland in EPA Radon Zone 1 and average levels of 4.2 pCi/L, testing is essential. Get a professional-grade radon monitor and know your levels within 24 hours.