Average Radon Levels in Texas: EPA Zone Data and What It Means
Radon Levels in Texas
Texas is classified as EPA Radon Zone 2. The predicted average indoor radon screening level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
What the EPA Zones Mean
| Zone | Predicted Average | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Above 4 pCi/L | High: immediate testing recommended for all homes |
| Zone 2 | 2 to 4 pCi/L | Moderate: testing recommended for all homes |
| Zone 3 | Below 2 pCi/L | Lower: testing still recommended by the EPA |
Zone classifications are based on geology, soil permeability, and housing characteristics at the county level. They represent average predictions. Individual homes within any zone can have radon levels significantly above or below the average. That is why the EPA recommends testing every home, regardless of zone.
Health Risks at Different Levels
Radon exposure is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). For perspective:
- 1.3 pCi/L is the average outdoor radon level
- 4 pCi/L is the EPA action level. Living at this level carries roughly the same lung cancer risk as smoking 8 cigarettes per day
- 8 pCi/L is equivalent to smoking about half a pack per day
- 20 pCi/L carries a risk comparable to smoking 1 to 2 packs per day
Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the #2 cause overall, responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.
Test Your Home
The only way to know your home's radon level is to test. Professional testing in Texas costs $125 to $350, or you can use a DIY test kit for $15 to $40. Find a certified radon tester in Texas through our directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What EPA radon zone is Texas?
Texas is classified as EPA Radon Zone 2. Zone 2 means the predicted average is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Is radon a problem in Texas?
Texas has moderate radon potential. Many homes still test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.