What the National Radon Defense Program Is

The National Radon Defense program is a federally funded initiative that pays for radon testing and mitigation work in homes where residents meet income requirements. The program operates through state radon offices and local contractors, and it covers the full cost of a radon test plus the cost of installing a mitigation system if your home's radon level is above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). You do not pay anything out of pocket if you are found to be within the income limits for your state.

The program was created to address radon exposure in low-income households, particularly in areas where radon is known to be a problem. Each state administers its own version of the program, so the exact income cutoff, the number of homes served, and the timeline for completing work vary by location. Some states have waiting lists; others have funding available when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Radon Defense program pays for both radon testing and mitigation system installation at no cost to you if your household income is below your state's threshold.
  • Your state radon office or a local health department can tell you whether your county is covered and what the current income limit is in your area.
  • Testing takes one to seven days; if radon is found above 4 pCi/L, the program covers the cost of a mitigation system, which typically takes one to three days to install.
  • You must own or rent the home and live there as your primary residence; the program does not cover investment properties or vacation homes.
  • Some states have more funding than others, and a few have waiting lists, so contacting your state office early tells you whether money is currently available.

Who Qualifies by Income and Residency

Income limits are set by each state and are usually tied to the federal poverty level or a percentage of the state's median income. In most states, the cutoff is somewhere between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty line, but this varies significantly. A household of four might may have access to in one state at $60,000 annual income and in another at $90,000. You will need to provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements to prove your income.

You must own the home or be a renter with the landlord's written permission to have testing and mitigation done. The home must be your primary residence — the place where you and your family actually live. Second homes, rental properties you own, and investment properties are not covered. If you rent, some programs require the landlord to sign off on the work; others allow tenants to proceed independently. Check with your state office about the renter rules in your area.

How to learn about Your Area Is Covered

Start by contacting your state radon office or your county health department. Both can tell you in one phone call whether the National Radon Defense program operates in your county and what the current income threshold is. Your state radon office can also tell you whether funding is currently available or whether there is a waiting list. Some states have enough funding to serve all who meet the criteria; others run out of money partway through the year and reopen the program later.

You can find your state radon office through the EPA's radon contact list on their website, or by searching "[your state] radon program" plus "radon office." If your state does not have a dedicated radon office, the state health department's environmental health or indoor air quality division will handle the program. County health departments often have the most up-to-date information about local funding status and can sometimes process applications directly.

What Happens During Testing and Mitigation

Once you are accepted into the program, the state office will schedule you with a certified radon contractor. The contractor will place a radon detector in the lowest livable level of your home — usually the basement or a first-floor room — and leave it there for two to seven days, depending on the test method used. You will be asked to keep doors and windows closed during this time and to avoid using exhaust fans. After the test period, the contractor retrieves the detector and sends the results to a lab.

If your radon level is 4 pCi/L or below, no further action is needed and the program is complete. If it is above 4 pCi/L, the program covers the cost of a mitigation system. A radon mitigation system typically consists of a pipe that runs from beneath your home's foundation to the roof, along with a fan that pulls radon gas out of the soil and vents it safely outside. Installation usually takes one to three days. The contractor will also seal cracks and gaps in your foundation as part of the work.

Timeline From process to Completion

The time from your initial contact to completion depends on your state's current workload and funding status. In states with available funding and short waiting lists, you might be scheduled for testing within two to four weeks. In states with longer queues, you could wait two to six months. Once testing begins, you will have results within one to two weeks. If mitigation is needed, scheduling for installation typically happens within two to eight weeks after test results come back, though this also varies by state and contractor availability.

The entire process — from process through mitigation completion — usually takes three to six months in most states, though it can be faster or slower depending on local conditions. Ask your state office for a realistic timeline when you first contact them, and ask the contractor for an estimated start date once you are assigned to them. Having this information helps you plan and manage expectations.

What the Program Does and Does Not Cover

The National Radon Defense program covers the cost of a radon test and, if needed, the full cost of a mitigation system including labor, materials, and any foundation sealing work. It does not cover repairs to your home beyond what is necessary for the mitigation system itself — for example, if the contractor finds a cracked foundation, the program will seal cracks that are part of the radon mitigation work, but it will not pay for general foundation repair.

The program also does not cover follow-up testing after mitigation is complete, though some states offer this separately through other programs. After your mitigation system is installed, you may want to test again after 30 days to confirm the system is working; this follow-up test is usually your responsibility, though some contractors offer it at a reduced rate. The program does not cover maintenance of the system once it is installed, such as replacing a fan motor if it fails years later.

What to Do If You Are Denied or Put on a Waiting List

If your household income is above your state's threshold, you are not within the program's scope. You can still have radon testing and mitigation done through a private contractor, though you will pay the full cost. Radon tests typically cost $150 to $300; mitigation systems usually cost $1,200 to $2,500 depending on your home's size and foundation type. Some states offer low-interest loans or rebates for radon work outside the National Radon Defense program; ask your state radon office whether these exist in your area.

If you are within the income limit but the program has a waiting list, ask how long it typically is and whether you can be added to it. Some states prioritize homes with very high radon levels or households with children or elderly members. While you wait, you can reduce radon exposure by improving ventilation — opening windows when weather permits, running exhaust fans, and keeping basement doors closed if you spend little time there. These steps do not eliminate radon but can lower levels somewhat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything if I am in the program?

No. If your household income meets your state's threshold and your home is in a covered area, the program pays for testing and mitigation in full. You should not be asked to pay any upfront fees or copayments. If a contractor asks for payment, contact your state radon office when ready.

What if I rent and my landlord will not allow the work?

Rules vary by state. Some programs require landlord consent; others allow tenants to proceed. Contact your state radon office to learn the rule in your state. If consent is required and your landlord refuses, you may not be able to use the program, though you could pursue radon testing and mitigation privately if you wish.

Can I choose my own contractor, or does the program assign one?

Most states assign you to a contractor on the program's approved list. This ensures the contractor is certified and the work meets state standards. You typically cannot choose a different contractor unless the assigned one is unavailable or you have a documented conflict.

What happens if radon is found but I decide not to do mitigation?

That is your choice. The program will not force you to install a system. However, radon above 4 pCi/L poses a long-term health risk, and the EPA recommends mitigation. If you decline, you may want to revisit the decision later, and the program may still cover the cost if you change your mind and funding remains available.

Will the mitigation system make noise or affect my utility bills?

Radon fans do produce a low humming sound, similar to a bathroom exhaust fan, though most people adjust to it quickly. The fan runs continuously and uses electricity comparable to a small appliance — typically $10 to $30 per month added to your electric bill. The contractor can show you the system and explain its operation before installation.