Do Air Purifiers Remove Radon? What Actually Works

When people first learn about radon, the instinct is to solve it the same way they solve other air quality problems. Buy an air purifier. Upgrade the filter. Add another unit.

Unfortunately, radon does not work that way.

Why Air Purifiers Feel Like the Right Answer

Air purifiers are familiar. They help with dust, pollen, smoke, and some odors. Many are marketed as solutions for indoor air quality, so it is reasonable to assume they help with radon too.

But radon is not a particle. It is a gas.

Why Air Purifiers Do Not Work for Radon

Most air purifiers are designed to capture particles using filters or electrostatic attraction. Radon gas passes straight through these systems.

Some purifiers may capture a small fraction of radon decay particles, but this does not meaningfully reduce radon concentration or health risk. The gas itself remains in the air.

This means that running an air purifier can create a false sense of security without reducing exposure.

What About Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon can adsorb some gases, but the amount required to meaningfully reduce radon would be impractical for residential use. Carbon filters would saturate quickly and require constant replacement.

In normal home air purifiers, carbon filters are not effective for radon reduction.

What Actually Works

Radon must be addressed at the point of entry, not filtered after it enters the living space.

Effective radon reduction methods focus on preventing radon from entering the home or redirecting it safely outdoors. The most common approach is active soil depressurization, which changes pressure beneath the home so radon does not enter.

Ventilation improvements can help in some cases, but they must be designed specifically for radon and not just general air circulation.

Why Testing Comes First

Before considering any solution, radon must be measured. Without testing, it is impossible to know whether radon is present or whether a mitigation method is working.

At home screening tools like the Detekt Home radon test allow homeowners to establish a baseline and verify results after mitigation.

The Takeaway

Air purifiers do not remove radon gas and should not be relied on as a solution. Radon requires targeted mitigation strategies that address how it enters the home. Testing first and using proven methods is the only reliable path to reducing radon risk.