Radon Mitigation in Pittsburgh

Updated October 2026 · 8 public sources cited

Pennsylvania has some of the most detailed radon rules in the country. Here's what a DEP-certified mitigator must do in your Allegheny County home, and what results local systems are getting.

Pennsylvania's radon problem

DEP says Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country, with an estimated 40% of homes tested above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.¹ The Allegheny County Health Department says no amount of radon is safe, and that if testing confirms radon a reduction system should be considered. It recommends a certified mitigation contractor, because doing the job improperly may make the problem worse or create other issues.²

Certified by DEP, with a photo ID

Pennsylvania law requires every third party who performs radon testing, mitigation or lab analysis to be certified by DEP.³ Before any work, a mitigator must give you a written estimate, evidence of certification and a printed notice that only DEP-certified people may provide these services. They must also show their DEP photo ID card on request.⁴ DEP's consumer guide says each certified mitigator's photo ID badge shows a certification number and expiration date.⁵

What Pennsylvania requires of every install

Pennsylvania's mitigation standard for homes three stories or less (25 Pa. Code § 240.308) spells out several things a homeowner can check:⁶

• Inspection first. The certified individual must do a thorough visual inspection of the building before starting any work.
• A system label with the name and certification number of the certified individual or firm and a contact phone number.
• An information package attached to the system and labeled "Radon Mitigation Information."
• Written statements if a perimeter channel drain can't be sealed for water-control reasons, including that this may raise heating and cooling costs.

Mitigators must also give you any warranty and instructions for checking and servicing the equipment in writing.⁴

How well local systems work

DEP's consumer guide says some radon reduction systems can cut levels by up to 99%.⁵ DEP's own records for Allegheny County back that up. Of the 2,421 post-mitigation tests reported for systems installed from January 2024 through July 2026:⁷

Our summary of PA DEP's "Radon Mitigation System" dataset on data.pa.gov. The median post-mitigation result was 0.5 pCi/L. These are reported results, not a guarantee for any one house.⁷

The systems Pittsburgh-area pros install

Among the 3,801 Allegheny County systems with a reported cost in that period, DEP's records show:⁷

Sub-slab systems dominate because most local homes have basements. Prices for each type are on our Pittsburgh cost guide.

Keep it working

DEP says most soil-suction systems include a monitor that shows whether the system is running. It recommends retesting after the fix and then about every two years.³

General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, medical or legal advice. A licensed professional who inspects your home can tell you what it needs.