Nebraska has some of the highest radon levels in the central United States. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services estimates that approximately 55% of Nebraska homes have radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L, and Nebraska’s statewide average is among the top five in the nation. Nebraska’s geology — including Cretaceous chalk and shale formations, Pleistocene glacial deposits in the eastern half, and uranium-bearing geological units throughout — creates high radon potential statewide.
EPA Radon Zone Designation
Most Nebraska counties are Zone 1. All counties in Nebraska’s eastern glaciated region are Zone 1 (Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, and other eastern counties), as are the central Sandhills counties and western Nebraska counties overlying chalk formations. The panhandle counties of extreme western Nebraska have somewhat lower but still significant radon potential.
Radon Contractor Requirements in Nebraska
Nebraska requires radon professionals to hold NRPP or NRSB national certification to legally perform radon measurement and mitigation services. Nebraska’s radon program is administered through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Nebraska does not have a separate state radon contractor licensing statute — national certification is the operative credential. Verify credentials at nrpp.info or nrsb.org before hiring any radon professional.
Radon Disclosure Requirements in Nebraska
Nebraska’s Seller Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to disclose known material defects. Nebraska does not have a radon-specific disclosure statute, but the general material defect obligation covers known elevated radon. The Nebraska Real Estate Commission provides guidance on radon as a potential disclosure item. Radon testing is recommended in all Nebraska real estate transactions given the state’s high prevalence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is radon in Nebraska?
Nebraska has one of the nation’s highest average indoor radon concentrations, with approximately 55% of homes above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Most Nebraska counties are Zone 1.
Does Nebraska require radon contractor certification?
NRPP or NRSB national certification is the operative requirement. No separate Nebraska licensing statute exists. Verify credentials at nrpp.info or nrsb.org before hiring.
Should I test for radon before buying a home in Nebraska?
Yes — emphatically. With 55% of Nebraska homes above the EPA action level, radon testing should be a standard contingency in every Nebraska real estate transaction. Results at or above 4.0 pCi/L are the expectation, not the exception, in many Nebraska communities.
Nebraska Radon in the Omaha and Lincoln Areas
Douglas County (Omaha) and Sarpy County (Bellevue, Papillion) are Zone 1 counties with among the highest average radon levels in the Omaha metropolitan area. Lancaster County (Lincoln) is also Zone 1. The eastern Nebraska glaciated region, where Omaha and Lincoln are located, consistently shows elevated radon readings across residential testing surveys. Both cities have substantial older housing stock with basements and concrete block foundations that can concentrate radon — making testing an urgent priority for homeowners who have not yet checked.
Nebraska Radon Testing Data
The Nebraska DHHS publishes county-level radon testing data derived from thousands of residential tests submitted through the state program. Nebraska’s testing data is among the most comprehensive in the Great Plains region, providing sub-county insights in larger metropolitan areas. The DHHS radon program can provide ZIP-code level guidance in some cases. For the most current data, contact the Nebraska DHHS Radon Program directly.
Nebraska New Construction and RRNC
Nebraska does not have a statewide RRNC mandate, but EPA and DHHS strongly recommend passive RRNC features in all new Nebraska residential construction. Given that 55% of Nebraska homes exceed the EPA action level — among the nation’s highest rates — every new home in Nebraska should have a passive radon vent pipe, sub-slab aggregate, vapor barrier, and attic electrical outlet installed during construction. The investment during the building phase is $350–$700; the same result after construction costs $800–$2,500.
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