Scranton earned its "Electric City" nickname in 1886 when it became the first U.S. city to have electric streetcars, powered by the region's abundant anthracite coal. This same coal heritage that fueled industrial greatness now contributes to elevated radon levels. Scranton sits in EPA Zone 1, the highest risk classification for radon exposure in Pennsylvania.
The Lackawanna Valley's unique geological story began millions of years ago when ancient swamps formed the anthracite coal beds underlying the city. These coal formations, along with uranium-bearing Pocono sandstone and Mauch Chunk shale, create perfect conditions for radon gas generation. The uranium naturally present in these rock formations undergoes radioactive decay, continuously producing radon gas that migrates upward through soil and bedrock.
Decades of deep mining beneath neighborhoods from North Scranton to the Hill Section created extensive underground voids and fractured bedrock that now act as superhighways for radon gas migration. Where solid bedrock once blocked radon, mining operations created pathways that allow gas to travel from deep uranium deposits directly into home foundations. The valley's bowl-like topography compounds the issue - radon gas accumulates in low-lying areas rather than dispersing.
Professional making certified radon mitigation systems essential for home safety throughout the Electric City. Our systems are specifically engineered for Lackawanna County's unique coal region geology and historic foundation types.