Why should my home be tested for Radon?

When buying a new home, it is important to make sure that a radon test has been performed.  A certified home inspector usually does this as part of the seller's home inspection.  You might ask yourself, though, what exactly is Radon?  How dangerous is it? How common is it?  What is involved in testing my home for it? Here are some answers to those questions:
 
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas, that cannot be detected without testing for it. 
 
How dangerous is it?
Radon causes cancer and is responsible for causing many cases of lung cancer per year.  Because radon is undetectable, it means the occupants are unknowingly breathing in this dangerous gas.  If you are a smoker and your house contains high levels of radon, it is especially dangerous.
 
How common is it to find radon in a home?
It is very common and is detected in many homes both old and new throughout the States.
 
What is involved in testing for radon?
There are a couple of different methods that can be used to test for radon.  This involves placing a testing device in the lowest level of your home for a certain amount of time so that radon levels can be determined.  It's important to note however that it must be placed in an area that will be totally undisturbed. 
 
Please contact us, your local certified home inspector for more information on radon testing.  We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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