Originally published November 9, 2025 - Margaret Henderson
Contributed by Chris Kelly, Senior Program Coordinator, Nevada Radon Education Program, University of Nevada, Reno
When you think of radon testing in Nevada, what comes to mind? For many, it’s probably something like a cowboy on horseback against a desert backdrop. That’s exactly what happened when Chris Kelly, Coordinator for the Nevada Radon Education Program, asked AI for an image of “radon testing in Nevada.” The reality, however, is far different—and far more impactful.
Nevada is a non-regulated state when it comes to radon testing. There are no requirements, no mandates, and very little awareness among real estate professionals. Testing was voluntary and rarely discussed, leaving homebuyers at risk and realtors hesitant to bring it up. Realtors were given misinformation about radon testing; they were told it is not an issue in Nevada and not to worry about it. Some realtors even admitted to not recommending testing for fear of losing the sale. The mission was clear: increase radon testing during home sales through education and collaboration.
Instead of waiting for legislation, Kelly focused on education, building a strong foundation through partnerships and outreach. Classes were hosted in collaboration with real estate offices, mortgage companies, local associations, and the Nevada Real Estate Division. In-person continuing education (CE) courses became the centerpiece, giving realtors the information they hadn’t received elsewhere: the health risks of radon, their professional responsibilities, and how to confidently discuss mitigation with clients. It quickly became clear that out-of-state buyers often knew more about radon than many Nevada Realtors—and that needed to change.
The program started with one-hour CE classes and grew into three-hour deep dives covering the basics of radon gas, where it comes from, testing methods, mitigation systems, and client communication. Realtors learned to identify radon systems and explain them confidently. Over 450 Realtors attended CE courses last year, each receiving a free short-term test kit and practical tools to take home. Knowledge turned skeptics into advocates.
Education led to a breakthrough in 2022, when Nevada added a radon testing checkbox to its real estate purchase agreements. Today, every regional form—from rural counties to Las Vegas—includes radon language. The rural areas added radon testing first, with Northern Nevada next, and Las Vegas last. Testing remains voluntary, but awareness has skyrocketed.
In 2021, only 5% of real estate transactions included radon testing. By 2022, that number jumped to 15%. In 2023, it hit 35%, and by 2024, 40%—where it remains steady today. In a state with no regulation, all progress came from education.
What worked? Consistent education, strong partnerships, and credibility within the real estate community. The message that resonated most: radon is a health issue, not a sales obstacle. A simple test during a real estate transaction can save lives.
Nevada’s success proves that education can drive change—even without regulation. By connecting people, property, and prevention, we’re creating safer homes and healthier families.
Source: Adapted from the presentation by Chris Kelly at the 2025 IEA Radon and Vapor Intrusion Symposium, Fort Worth, Texas.
Text generated by ChatGPT and edited by the author.
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