SWAT Environmental is a radon testing and mitigation company, not a government program

SWAT Environmental is a private radon testing and mitigation business. They measure radon levels in homes and buildings, and if levels are high, they install systems to reduce radon gas. They are not a government agency, and you do not need to go through them to test for radon — you can hire any certified radon professional in your area, or test yourself with a kit you buy at a hardware store.

If you found SWAT Environmental while searching for radon information, it is because they operate in your region and show up in local search results. Whether you use them depends on whether their pricing, availability, and service area work for your situation. This guide explains how radon testing actually works so you can compare any testing company, including SWAT Environmental, against other options.

Key Takeaways

  • SWAT Environmental is one private company among many that test for radon and install mitigation systems; you can hire any state-certified radon professional.
  • Radon testing takes two to seven days depending on the method, and results tell you whether your home's radon level is above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.
  • If radon is high, mitigation systems (usually a vent pipe and fan) typically cost between $800 and $2,500 depending on your home's foundation type.
  • You can buy a short-term radon test kit yourself for $15 to $30, or hire a professional to do testing and provide a report for your records or a real estate transaction.
  • State radon programs and your local health department can tell you which professionals in your area hold current radon certifications.

How radon testing works and what the results mean

A radon test measures the amount of radon gas in your home's air over a set period. The result is given in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L — if your home tests at or above that level, the EPA recommends taking steps to reduce it. Radon levels below 4 pCi/L are considered acceptable, though some states set their own lower thresholds.

There are two main testing methods: short-term and long-term. A short-term test runs for two to seven days and gives you a quick snapshot of radon levels. A long-term test runs for more than 90 days (often three to twelve months) and averages radon levels across seasons, which is more reliable because radon levels change with weather and how you use your home. If a short-term test shows high radon, most professionals recommend a follow-up long-term test before spending money on mitigation.

You can buy a short-term test kit at a hardware store or online for $15 to $30. You place the kit in your lowest lived-in level (usually a basement or first floor), leave it undisturbed for the test period, then mail it to a lab. The lab sends you results by mail or email. If you want a professional to test your home and provide a formal report — which you may need for a real estate transaction or insurance purposes — hiring a certified radon professional costs $150 to $300 for testing alone.

What mitigation systems do and how much they cost

If radon levels are high, a radon mitigation system reduces the gas by venting it safely outside your home. The most common system is a sub-slab depressurization system, which pulls radon from beneath your foundation through a pipe and vents it above your roofline using a fan. This works for homes built on concrete slabs or crawl spaces. Homes with basements may use a different approach, such as sealing cracks and improving ventilation.

The cost of mitigation varies widely based on your home's foundation type, how deep the system needs to go, and whether the contractor needs to drill through concrete or access existing crawl spaces. A typical system costs between $800 and $2,500. Some contractors charge a flat rate; others charge by the hour or by the complexity of the job. After installation, you should have the system tested again to confirm radon levels have dropped below 4 pCi/L.

Mitigation systems run continuously and use electricity to power the fan. You may hear a slight hum from the fan, and you should have the system inspected every few years to make sure it is working. If the fan fails, radon levels can rise again, so maintenance matters.

How to find and choose a radon professional

Your state's radon program or your local health department maintains a list of certified radon professionals. You can also search the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) databases to verify that a professional holds current certification. Certification means the person has passed an exam and meets standards for testing and mitigation work.

When you contact a radon company like SWAT Environmental or any other firm, ask for their certification number, how long they have been in business, and whether they offer a warranty on mitigation work. Get at least two quotes before deciding. Some contractors offer financing options if the upfront cost is a barrier. Ask whether the quote includes post-mitigation testing to confirm the system worked.

If you are buying or selling a home, your real estate agent or inspector may recommend a radon professional, but you can also hire one independently. Real estate transactions sometimes require radon testing as part of the inspection period, and the buyer and seller may negotiate who pays for testing and mitigation if radon is found.

When to test for radon and what to do before testing

You can test for radon at any time, but the EPA recommends testing during the colder months (October through April) when homes are closed up and radon levels tend to be higher. If you test during warm months when windows are open, you may get a lower reading that does not reflect your actual radon exposure during the winter.

Before you place a radon test, close all windows and doors in your home and keep them closed for at least 12 hours before testing begins and during the entire test period. Do not use exhaust fans or air conditioning systems that bring in outside air. Do not place the test kit near a window, door, or air vent. These steps may support the test measures the radon level your home actually contains, not diluted air from outside.

If you are testing a home you are considering buying, ask the seller whether they have had radon testing done before. Some sellers have already tested and know their radon level. If the home has been tested and radon is high, you can factor that into your offer or ask the seller to install mitigation before closing.

Radon testing for renters and multi-unit buildings

Radon can accumulate in any building, including apartments and rental homes. If you rent and are concerned about radon, you can buy a short-term test kit and test your unit. However, you cannot install a mitigation system without your landlord's permission, since it involves drilling and permanent changes to the building. Talk to your landlord about your concerns and share the test results if levels are high.

Landlords are not required by federal law to test for radon or install mitigation systems, though some states or local jurisdictions have their own rules. If your state or locality requires radon testing in rental properties, your landlord should provide test results or allow you to test. If you find high radon and your landlord will not address it, contact your local health department or housing authority to learn what your rights are.

Multi-unit buildings like apartment complexes may have radon in some units but not others, depending on foundation type and how the building is ventilated. Testing one unit does not tell you about the whole building.

Understanding radon risk and when testing matters most

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Long-term exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers. The EPA estimates that radon causes thousands of lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

Your radon risk depends on where you live. Some regions have naturally higher radon levels in soil than others. The EPA publishes a radon zone map showing which counties have higher predicted radon levels. If you live in a Zone 1 area (highest potential), testing is especially important. Even in lower-risk zones, individual homes can have high radon, so testing is the only way to know your home's actual level.

If you have never tested your home for radon, the EPA recommends doing so at least once. If you have tested and levels were low, you do not need to test again unless you make major changes to your home's structure or ventilation. If levels were high and you installed mitigation, test again after installation to confirm it worked, then periodically afterward to make sure the system is still functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does radon testing take?

Short-term tests take two to seven days. Long-term tests take more than 90 days, often three to twelve months. If you use a professional tester, they place the device, you keep your home closed during the test period, then they retrieve it and send results to a lab. Results usually come back within one to two weeks after the test ends.

Can I test for radon myself, or do I need to hire someone?

You can buy a radon test kit and test yourself for $15 to $30. The kit is straightforward to use — you place it in your lowest lived-in level and mail it to the lab after the test period ends. If you need a formal report for a real estate transaction or insurance, hire a certified professional, which costs $150 to $300 for testing.

What if my radon test shows a level of 3.8 pCi/L?

The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L, so 3.8 is technically below that threshold. However, the EPA also says there is no safe level of radon, and some experts recommend mitigation even below 4 pCi/L. If you are concerned, you can do a long-term test to see whether levels vary seasonally, or talk to a radon professional about your options.

Do I need to tell my home insurance company if I have high radon?

Radon itself is not typically a factor in homeowners insurance. However, if you install a mitigation system, some insurers offer small discounts. Tell your insurance company if you have made changes to your home's structure or systems. Radon damage to your home is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

How often should I test for radon after mitigation?

Test again within 30 days after the mitigation system is installed to confirm it worked and radon levels dropped. After that, you do not need to test regularly unless you suspect the system is not working or you make major changes to your home. Have the system inspected every few years to make sure the fan is running.