Learn about the importance of radon testing before purchasing a property, the health risks of radon, and how mitigation systems can reduce exposure.
When it comes to purchasing a property, there are a lot of factors to consider – location, price, size, and condition, to name just a few. However, there’s one crucial factor that many people overlook: radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into buildings and pose serious health risks, and it’s essential to test for it before you buy a property.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It can enter buildings through cracks, fissures, expansion joints, and other openings in the foundation, and once inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States, and it’s responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year.
Because radon is invisible and odorless, it’s impossible to know whether a property has high levels without testing for it. The good news is that radon testing is relatively easy and inexpensive. We recommend you hire a professional with modern testing equipment to conduct the test for you.
The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of where they are located or how old they are. Radon is present in all 50 states of the United States. If you’re purchasing a property, it’s especially important to test for radon before you buy. If high levels are found, you can either negotiate with the seller to have the problem fixed, or plan for the expense of installing a mitigation system and roll it into your closing costs.
In addition to testing for radon before you purchase a property, it’s also important to test your home regularly. Radon levels can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including the weather, changes in the soil, and even the time of day. It is also impossible to know at what point Uranium is in, in its decay process. The EPA recommends testing your home for radon at least once every two years, and more often if you live in an area with high levels of radon.
The Surgeon General has also issued a warning about the dangers of radon, urging Americans to test their homes and take action if high levels are found. According to the Surgeon General, “Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends testing homes for radon, stating that “Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes the importance of testing for radon, stating that “Exposure to radon is a preventable cause of lung cancer, and countries need to implement effective national strategies to reduce radon exposure.” The WHO recommends that countries develop policies to encourage radon testing and to promote the installation of radon mitigation systems in homes and other buildings.
If high levels of radon are found in your home, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Radon mitigation systems are designed to prevent radon from entering your home, or to remove it once it’s inside. These systems typically involve installing a vent pipe and fan to redirect the radon outside, and they can be very effective at reducing radon levels.
Radon mitigation systems can be expensive, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size and complexity of the system. However, the cost of installing a mitigation system is often much less than the cost of treating lung cancer, not to mention the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
In conclusion, testing for radon is an essential step in purchasing a property and ensuring the safety of your family and pets.
