Radon in Ventura & Santa Barbara County: An Essential Guide for Homeowners & Realtors

Does your home pass the radon test? If not, you may want to have your home tested soon.

Radon in Ventura & Santa Barbara County: An Essential Guide for Homeowners & Realtors

Living in Santa Barbara or Ventura County offers an unparalleled lifestyle. But when it comes to ensuring our homes are safe, there's a significant, invisible threat that every homeowner and Realtor must address: radon gas. Both counties are designated by the U.S. EPA as Radon Zone 1, the highest-risk category in the nation.

This guide explains why our region is a radon hotspot, when a radon test should be completed, and how it impacts real estate transactions.

What is Radon and Why is the 805 a High-Risk Area?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. It forms from the decay of uranium in the soil and can seep into buildings through cracks in the foundation, becoming trapped and accumulating to dangerous levels.

The primary reason for the Zone 1 designation in Ventura and Santa Barbara is our local geology, specifically the widespread Monterey Shale formation. This rock is naturally high in uranium, leading to a greater potential for radon gas release.

The health risks are severe. The EPA confirms that radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 21,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Because you cannot see or smell it, the only way to protect your family or your clients is to test for radon.

Map of California's EPA radon zones, showing Ventura and Santa Barbara counties highlighted in red as Zone 1, indicating the highest potential risk for radon gas.

When Every Homeowner and Realtor Should Insist on a Radon Test

Timing is critical for accurate radon testing. For the most reliable results, test during the fall or winter when homes are typically closed up. Here are the most crucial times to perform a test:

1. During a Real Estate Transaction

For Realtors and their clients, a radon test is a critical part of due diligence.

• For Buyers: A radon test contingency is as essential as a home inspection. If levels are high (at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L), you can negotiate for the seller to install a radon mitigation system before the close of escrow.

• For Sellers: Proactively testing your home can be a major selling point. It demonstrates transparency and prevents last-minute surprises that could delay or jeopardize a sale. Addressing a radon issue upfront is often a smoother, more cost-effective approach.

2. After a Major Renovation or Remodel

Making your home more energy-efficient by installing new windows or altering your HVAC system can change the building's air pressure. This can inadvertently pull more radon gas from the soil or trap it more effectively inside. Always test after major renovations.

3. Routinely Every 2-5 Years

A home's foundation can settle and develop new cracks over time, creating new pathways for radon entry. A periodic test is a simple, affordable way to ensure your home remains safe year after year.

Radon is odorless, tasteless and invisible. To ensure your home is at a safe level for radon, get a home radon test to understand if you are exposed or not.

Understanding the Results and Finding a Solution

If a radon test comes back at or above the EPA's action level of 4.0 pCi/L, a solution is necessary. It's important to know that high radon is a fixable problem.

A radon mitigation system is a permanent solution installed by a certified professional. It typically uses a vent pipe and a low-wattage fan to pull radon from beneath the foundation and vent it harmlessly above the house. These systems are highly effective, reducing radon levels by up to 99%, and their cost is comparable to other common home repairs.

The Bottom Line for Ventura & Santa Barbara Residents

Ignoring the risk of radon in a known Zone 1 area is a gamble no homeowner or real estate professional should take. Testing is simple, affordable, and the only way to ensure the long-term health and safety of a home's occupants.

Protect your health and your investment. Schedule a professional radon test today.