New York — 20M metro

Radon in New York City,
NY

New York City's five boroughs fall in EPA Zone 3 (low risk), but the picture is more complex in the broader metro. Westchester County, Connecticut suburbs, and New Jersey's Ramapo Mountains show significantly higher radon due to granite bedrock geology.

Risk Level

Low Risk

0.5–2.5 pCi/L

Typical range (area avg.)

EPA action level: 4 pCi/L

Why New York City Has Low Risk Radon

Manhattan and Brooklyn sit on schist and gneiss bedrock with moderate uranium content, but the massive building footprints and shared construction typical of NYC effectively dilute radon to negligible levels in most apartments. Single-family homes in Staten Island, eastern Queens, and Long Island's North Shore merit more attention.

Local Housing and Radon Risk

NYC's predominantly high-rise and attached construction creates fundamentally different radon dynamics than detached suburban homes. Radon risk is highest in: Staten Island single-family homes, detached houses in Queens/Brooklyn, and Long Island homes with basements.

Testing Advice for New York City Residents

If you live in a detached home in Staten Island, eastern Queens, or Nassau County, testing is worthwhile. Manhattan apartment dwellers in buildings above the 3rd floor have negligible radon risk from soil. Westchester County residents should treat radon risk similarly to Pennsylvania Zone 1.

How to Test Your New York City Home

Step 1: Choose Your Test Type

For initial screening, a charcoal short-term test kit ($12–$25) placed for 48–96 hours provides a quick result. For the most accurate reading, a long-term alpha-track test ($20–$35) left in place for 90+ days accounts for seasonal variation — especially important in New York City's climate.

Step 2: Place the Test Correctly

Test in your lowest livable level — basement if you have one, otherwise the first floor. Keep the test 20 inches from the floor, away from windows and exterior walls. Close windows and doors 12 hours before and during the test for accurate results.

Step 3: Interpret Your Results

Below 2 pCi/L: low concern, retest every 2 years. 2–4 pCi/L: consider mitigation, retest in 2 years. 4 pCi/L or higher: the EPA recommends mitigation. Above 8 pCi/L: prioritize mitigation promptly.

Step 4: Hire a Certified Mitigator if Needed

If your test result is at or above 4 pCi/L, hire a certified radon mitigator. In New York, always verify your contractor's state certification. Sub-slab depressurization — the most effective mitigation method — typically costs $1,000–$2,000 installed (higher NYC labor costs) in the New York City area.

Frequently Asked Questions — Radon in New York City

Is radon a real problem in New York City?

Yes. New York City's five boroughs fall in EPA Zone 3 (low risk), but the picture is more complex in the broader metro. Westchester County, Connecticut suburbs, and New Jersey's Ramapo Mountains show significantly higher radon due to granite bedrock geology. The EPA recommends all homes be tested regardless of location — radon levels can vary significantly even between neighboring properties.

How much does radon mitigation cost in this area?

In the New York City area, professional radon mitigation (sub-slab depressurization) typically costs $1,000–$2,000 installed (higher NYC labor costs). This is a one-time cost that reduces radon by 50–99%. The system requires minimal maintenance and a mitigator can typically complete the work in 3–5 hours.

Should I test if I have a new home?

Absolutely. New homes built with radon-resistant features still show elevated levels in testing — construction conditions and local geology vary too much to assume any home is safe. Test within the first year of occupancy, especially if your home has a basement.

Can I test radon myself, or do I need a professional?

DIY testing is reliable and recommended as a first step. Short-term kits ($12–$25) and long-term kits ($20–$35) are accurate when placed and returned correctly. Professional testing is only required for real estate transactions in some states. If your DIY test shows elevated levels, use a certified professional for both confirmation testing and mitigation.