Radon Detection & Mitigation


Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that is released from uranium-bearing rocks and soil. It can move from the soil into buildings through openings in the basement, slab or crawlspace. Radon is listed as a Class A carcinogen that ultimately causes lung cancer, and the USEPA action level is 4.0 picoCuries/liter of air. Click here for more information on the health risks of radon exposure.

Radon testing involves initial, follow-up, and post mitigation testing. HDC is capable of short term (48 hours to 90 days) and long term testing (greater than 90 days). HDC is licensed through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Division of Nuclear Safety to test both residential and commercial buildings.

Radon mitigation slows radon entry into the building and reduces indoor radon concentrations. Illinois regulations normally prohibit the same firm from doing testing and mitigation. However, HDC has been given a variance to allow for testing and mitigation of certain commercial properties.

Radon is closely governed by the EPA and can be researched at their website.


Radon Information
EPA: Citizen's Guide to Radon
EPA: Home Buyer's & Seller's Guide to Radon

National Safety Council: Radon

NIH Radon Information

CDC Radon Health Issues FAQ



Crawlspace covering

Stack pipe

Basement of a residence with a radon mitigation installed

Mitigation fan & venting attached to a residence

A view of a radon mitigation system's venting. Downspout is used for venting instead of PVC, thus assuring a more aesthetically pleasing & less obtrusive mitigation system.