Is radon A Risk in central texas?
If you live in Central Texas, you might wonder whether radon is something you should be concerned about. The short answer is yes—radon is a real risk in Central Texas, and it can affect homes and buildings in Williamson County, Travis County, Bastrop County, and beyond.
What Is Radon and Why Does It Matter?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Yet when radon seeps into homes and buildings, it can build up to dangerous levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States—right behind smoking.
Why Radon Is a Risk in Central Texas
Many people assume that radon is only a problem in the northern U.S., but that’s a dangerous misconception. While Central Texas counties are often shown on the EPA’s Radon Zone Map as “low potential,” this map is not meant to predict radon risk at the level of an individual home or building.
The map was created to help policymakers plan awareness programs, not to determine whether your home is safe. In reality:
How Radon Gets Into Central Texas Homes
Radon gas moves up from the soil and enters buildings through cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation. Factors like slab type, ventilation, and air pressure differences create a “vacuum effect” that pulls radon inside. Once indoors, it can build up to unsafe levels if not addressed.
Why Every Building Needs to Be Tested
Even two houses sitting side by side can have very different radon levels. Soil composition, construction methods, and air circulation all play a role. Because of these differences, every home, school, and workplace in Central Texas should be tested—no matter what the EPA map shows.
Why Radon Levels Vary From House to House
It’s common for one house to have very low radon levels while the house next door tests high. This happens because each building interacts with the soil beneath it differently. Factors include:
The Only Way to Know: Test for Radon
Because radon varies so widely, the only reliable way to know if you’re at risk is to test. Radon testing is simple, affordable, and highly accurate when performed by a certified professional.
If high levels are found, a radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce concentrations and protect occupants. These systems are proven, permanent solutions that provide long-term peace of mind.
Whether you own a home in Austin, manage apartments in Williamson County, or operate a business in Travis County, radon testing should be part of your safety plan. Even in so-called “low risk” areas, elevated levels are found every year.
Yes, radon is a risk in Central Texas—and ignoring it can put your health at risk. The good news is that with professional testing and mitigation, it’s a problem that can be solved.
