Tennessee — 2M metro

Radon in Nashville,
TN

Tennessee sits primarily in EPA Zone 2, with Davidson County (Nashville) showing moderate radon risk. Tennessee's radon program reports that 15–20% of tested homes exceed the action level, with higher rates in outer suburban and rural areas than in the urban core.

Risk Level

Moderate Risk

1–4 pCi/L

Typical range (area avg.)

EPA action level: 4 pCi/L

Why Nashville Has Moderate Risk Radon

Nashville sits on the Nashville Dome — an uplift of Ordovician limestones that creates karst topography across the region. Karst features (sinkholes, caves) can concentrate and rapidly transport radon from deep formations to the surface.

Local Housing and Radon Risk

Nashville's explosive growth has created large swaths of new construction in Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood) and Rutherford County (Murfreesboro). While newer homes may have radon-resistant features, rapid construction doesn't guarantee effectiveness without testing.

Testing Advice for Nashville Residents

Test new construction as well as older homes — new subdivisions in the Nashville suburbs have been found with elevated radon despite modern building practices. Williamson County Health Department has local radon resources.

How to Test Your Nashville 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 Nashville'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 Tennessee, always verify your contractor's state certification. Sub-slab depressurization — the most effective mitigation method — typically costs $800–$1,400 installed in the Nashville area.

Frequently Asked Questions — Radon in Nashville

Is radon a real problem in Nashville?

Yes. Tennessee sits primarily in EPA Zone 2, with Davidson County (Nashville) showing moderate radon risk. Tennessee's radon program reports that 15–20% of tested homes exceed the action level, with higher rates in outer suburban and rural areas than in the urban core. 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 Nashville area, professional radon mitigation (sub-slab depressurization) typically costs $800–$1,400 installed. 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.