Radon Testing: Know What’s in the Air You Breathe
A home can look well-maintained and still have elevated radon. You cannot see, smell, or taste this naturally occurring gas. It can enter through openings in a home’s foundation and build up indoors. Testing is the only way to know the radon level in the home you are buying.
The health concern is serious: breathing radon over time increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The risk is especially high for people who smoke, but radon exposure also poses a risk to people who have never smoked.
Why Do You Need to Test for Radon?
Radon can be present in new or older homes, with or without a basement. The condition of the home and the neighbor’s test result cannot tell you what your result will be. A radon test gives you information about the home itself, so you can make an informed decision before moving in.
If a test finds an elevated level, there are proven ways to reduce radon in a home. The EPA recommends taking action when the level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher and considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L. There is no known level of radon exposure that is completely risk free.
Add radon testing to your I 95 home inspection. It is a practical step toward understanding the home’s indoor air and protecting your long-term health.