Forty Fort sits in EPA Zone 1, Pennsylvania's highest radon risk classification, due to its unique geological position along the Susquehanna River in the Wyoming Valley. The borough's riverside location creates a perfect storm of radon risk factors that make professional testing essential for every Forty Fort home.
The Allegheny Group bedrock beneath Forty Fort contains naturally occurring uranium deposits that have been generating radon gas for millions of years. As uranium decays through its radioactive chain, it produces radon-222, an invisible, odorless gas that moves through soil and rock toward the surface. In stable geological areas, this radon disperses harmlessly into the atmosphere. But Forty Fort's riverside geology tells a different story.
Over thousands of years, the Susquehanna River has deposited layers of highly permeable alluvial sediments throughout Forty Fort Borough. These river deposits - sand, silt, and gravel layers - act as superhighways for radon gas migration. Where solid bedrock would block radon movement, these permeable sediments allow gas to flow freely from deep uranium sources directly into home foundations. The historical meandering of the Susquehanna has created complex soil stratification, meaning radon pathways can vary dramatically even between adjacent properties.
The borough's flat river valley topography adds another critical dimension to radon risk. Valley air circulation patterns, particularly during temperature inversions common in Wyoming Valley, can trap radon-laden air close to ground level rather than allowing it to disperse. This atmospheric stagnation increases the concentration of radon available to enter homes through foundation cracks, sump pits, and utility penetrations.
Forty Fort's historic housing stock compounds these geological challenges. Many borough homes date to the early 20th century, featuring stone foundations and concrete block basements built decades before radon-resistant construction practices existed. These older foundations often have numerous cracks and openings that provide easy entry points for radon gas. The combination of permeable river sediments, uranium-bearing bedrock, and vintage construction creates radon levels that consistently test 2-3 times the EPA action level.
Professional making certified radon mitigation systems essential for protecting family health in this EPA Zone 1 community. Our specialized sub-slab depressurization systems are designed specifically for riverside properties and achieve 99% reduction rates.