Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and kills more people per year than drunk driving. Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is naturally created from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which can be found in different amounts in soil and rock

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY POTENTIAL HOME HAS RADON?

The only way to know for sure if the home you are in the process of purchasing contains elevated levels of radon gas is to have a test performed by a licensed radon testing specialist. If your home inspector is not a licensed radon specialist, they will contact a licensed company and have them come during your home inspection and leave a radon testing monitor that will stay in the basement of the home for a minimum of 48 hours collecting data.

After the 48 hours are complete, the specialist will return to the home, collect the test results and send them immediately to you. You will also receive a detailed report stating whether or not further action is required.

If you are in the process of purchasing a home, the last thing you want to do is buy a house that contains elevated levels of this radioactive, cancer-causing gas.

Even though you may pay an additional fee to have your home tested during the home inspection, the sellers will be responsible for installing a Radon Mitigation System if the radon test results come back at a 4.0 pCi/L or higher. If the home tests at a 4.0 or higher, The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that a radon removal system be installed before going through with the purchase of the home.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE HOME TESTED?

If you tell your home inspector that you do not want a radon test, you will miss your chance at having the seller pay for the removal system if the home contains elevated levels of radon. You may not think that is a problem up front, however, if you ever go to sell the home, and it tests elevated, it will then be up to you to pay for the installation.

Not to mention, continued exposure to high levels of radon gas can affect the overall cellular activity within lung tissue and causes an observable increase in the chance of contracting lung cancer. 

IF YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOME, HAVE IT TESTED FOR RADON

Call Anchor Home Inspection

Anchor Home Inspection is always available by phone to answer questions regarding your home. If you would like to consult with a professional about a home inspection, call Anchor Home Inspection now to schedule a home inspection today.

Anchor Home Inspections is a quality Home Inspector to Connecticut. Contact us to schedule a home inspection or any of our other home inspection services.