You cannot see or smell it, but radon can be present in any home in Bennington. As a naturally occurring gas that can build up indoors, it is a known health risk, and the only way to know your level is to test. If you own, plan to sell, or are buying in Douglas County, understanding radon basics helps you protect your household and your investment. In this guide, you’ll learn how to test, what results mean, what mitigation costs, and what Nebraska rules matter in a real estate deal. Let’s dive in.
Radon basics and local risk
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. Long-term exposure increases lung cancer risk, and experts emphasize that testing is the only way to know your indoor level. You can review a clear homeowner overview in the EPA and state materials.
State reporting shows that Douglas County has seen many test results at or above levels where mitigation is recommended, which is why the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services urges testing for every home in the area. See the Nebraska DHHS radon data and guidance for the latest county context and contacts. The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L, and the WHO reference level is 2.7 pCi/L for additional caution. You can find the EPA’s threshold and the WHO reference level noted in local coverage.
- Review county data and program contacts at the Nebraska DHHS Radon Program: state radon data and resources
- Learn EPA thresholds: EPA radon zones and action guidance
- WHO reference level context: local report on elevated radon levels
How to test your Bennington home
Choose the right test
- Short-term tests measure 2 to 90 days and are common in real estate. They give quick results for a decision window.
- Long-term tests measure more than 90 days and provide a better picture of your year-round average.
- Continuous electronic monitors collect hourly data and are often used by licensed professionals during transactions.
For clear explanations of test types and placement, see this homeowner guide: radon testing basics.
Follow the EPA testing steps
- Start with a short-term test. If the result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, follow up promptly.
- Confirm with either a second short-term test or a long-term test. For a fast real estate decision, use a second short-term test and average the results.
- If your confirmed result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, mitigate. Consider mitigation in the 2 to 4 pCi/L range.
You can find these steps summarized here: radon testing basics and EPA action guidance.
Where to get kits and licensed pros
- Start with the Nebraska DHHS Radon Program for test kits, current guidance, and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals: Nebraska DHHS radon resources
- For many Douglas County residents, the state program is the most reliable starting point for kits and professional lists.
If your level is high
Common mitigation systems
The most common approach for basements and slabs is active sub-slab depressurization. A fan and vent pipe draw soil gas from beneath the slab and exhaust it above the roofline. When properly designed and installed, systems often reduce indoor radon by 80 to 99 percent. Learn more about methods and performance: consumer guide to radon mitigation.
What it costs in Nebraska
- Professional short-term testing by a contractor typically runs about $150 to $300. See a cost overview: testing and mitigation cost notes.
- Professionally installed mitigation systems for many single-family homes commonly range from about $800 to $3,000, depending on foundation and system complexity. Ongoing costs include a small electric draw for the fan and periodic retesting. Get multiple written bids, ask for references, and verify Nebraska licensure. See method and cost context: consumer guide to radon mitigation.
Buyers and sellers in Bennington: what to know
- Disclosure: Nebraska requires sellers of 1 to 4 unit residential property to provide a Seller Property Condition Disclosure Statement. If you have radon test results, mitigation records, or system documentation, disclose them and attach copies. Review the disclosure framework: Nebraska real property disclosure law.
- New construction: For homes built after September 1, 2019, Nebraska requires radon-resistant new construction features. Ask builders for documentation of the passive system and whether an active fan was installed. Learn the statute details: Nebraska radon-resistant construction law.
- In transactions: Many buyers include a radon test in the inspection window. Short-term tests and continuous monitoring by licensed pros provide timely, defensible results. See testing basics: radon testing basics.
Quick checklist and local resources
- Test every home in Bennington, even if your neighbor’s results were low.
- Retest every 2 to 5 years, after major renovations, and 2 to 4 weeks after installing a mitigation system. Ongoing checks every two years help confirm performance. See guidance: consumer guide to radon mitigation.
- If your confirmed level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, mitigate; consider mitigation for 2 to 4 pCi/L. Review thresholds: EPA action guidance.
- Start with the Nebraska DHHS program for kits, licensed testers, and licensed mitigators: Nebraska DHHS radon resources.
Whether you are building new, buying in a competitive market, or preparing to sell, a clear radon plan protects your family and keeps your deal on track. Our construction-focused team helps you ask the right questions, request the right documentation, and navigate timelines with confidence. If you are planning a move in the Omaha suburbs, connect with Brian Wilson for calm, expert guidance.
FAQs
How dangerous is radon in Bennington homes?
- Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate indoors and increase lung cancer risk; the only way to know your level is to test. See local context and resources from the Nebraska DHHS Radon Program.
What do my radon test results mean?
- The EPA recommends mitigation at 4.0 pCi/L or higher and considering action in the 2 to 4 pCi/L range. Review the EPA action guidance.
How often should I test my home for radon?
- Test at least every 2 to 5 years, after major renovations, and 2 to 4 weeks after installing a mitigation system, then every two years to confirm performance. See this consumer guide.
Does opening windows solve a radon problem?
- Ventilating can lower levels temporarily, but it is not a reliable long-term fix. Properly designed mitigation systems are the recommended solution for elevated levels. Learn more in this consumer guide.
What should I ask about radon when buying new construction in Nebraska?
- For homes built after September 1, 2019, ask for documentation of radon-resistant features and whether an active fan was added, then verify with a post-occupancy test. See the Nebraska radon-resistant construction law.
