Radon in Memphis, Tennessee

Is radon a problem in Memphis, TN?

It can be. Memphis is in Shelby County, which EPA places in Zone 3, the lowest predicted radon-potential category. Homes with high radon are still found in Zone 3, and the Tennessee Radon Program has found homes needing action in every Tennessee county.

Do new homes in Memphis have to be built radon-resistant?

No. Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County use the 2021 code, effective April 1, 2025, with no appendix list, so the radon appendix doesn't apply. Either way, ask your builder which radon features were installed and test after you move in: radon-resistant construction lowers the chance of high radon but doesn't replace a test. What your result means · Choosing a radon professional

How do I get a free radon test kit in Memphis?

Order a free short-term kit from the Tennessee Radon Program online or by calling 1-800-232-1139. Place it on the lowest lived-in floor, about 3 feet off the floor, for 3 to 5 days, then mail it back right away; return postage is prepaid. How to test your home

What if my Memphis home tests high for radon?

EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Confirm a high short-term result with a second test, then hire an NRPP- or NRSB-certified mitigation professional; Tennessee doesn't license radon contractors. What your result means · Choosing a radon professional

Where can I learn more about radon in Shelby County?

The Shelby County, TN radon guide covers every permitting jurisdiction in the county, state test data and sources. Nearby: Bartlett.

Sources: Shelby County radon guide and its sources · EPA Map of Radon Zones: Tennessee · Tennessee Radon Program · EPA, Health Risk of Radon

Last reviewed October 17, 2026 by the Tennessee Radon Authority editorial team. How we research.