Radon Testing is Crucial When Buying a Home

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it’s vital to prioritize your health and safety during the process. One often overlooked yet crucial step is getting a radon test. Here’s why:

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas naturally occurring in soil. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, basements, and crawl spaces. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, posing a significant health risk.

Why is Testing for Radon Important?

Radon testing is crucial because this invisible, odorless gas seeps into homes from the soil and can cause lung cancer, the second leading cause after smoking. Since radon exposure shows no immediate symptoms, testing is the only way to detect dangerous levels and take action. With relatively simple and affordable testing, you can protect yourself and your family from this potentially life-threatening health risk.

Situations when you should test your home for radon:

• Before buying or selling a home: Testing is crucial during real estate transactions, especially if you plan to spend significant time in the lower levels. Elevated levels can be addressed before finalizing the purchase.
• Every 2 years with a mitigation system: If you have a radon mitigation system installed, retesting every 2 years ensures it’s functioning correctly and keeping radon levels low.
• Every few years without a mitigation system: Even without a system, periodic testing (every 5 years is a common recommendation) is crucial to monitor radon levels, especially if your home is in an area with high radon potential.
• After major renovations or construction: Changes to your home’s structure, like adding a sump pump or converting a basement, can affect radon levels, so retesting is essential.

What is the process for testing a house for radon?

Radon testing involves placing a detector device, often in your home’s lowest level, for a specified period (short-term tests for real estate transactions last days, typically 48 to 72 hours; long-term tests last months). You maintain closed-house conditions for the duration of the time to ensure accurate readings. The detector collects radon particles and analyzes their concentration. After the test period, the tester downloads the device data, and a report is issued. The radon level measurement determines if your home exceeds safe limits and requires mitigation to reduce radon exposure and protect your health.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Testing is a simple and affordable way to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your family in your home.