Having a home inspector test for radon during a home inspection is a good idea for several reasons:
- Detects potential health risks: A home inspector can test for radon and determine if the levels in your home are above the recommended safe levels set by the EPA. Elevated levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer and other health problems, so it’s important to know if your home is affected.
- Identifies potential problems early: A home inspector can identify potential radon problems early on, before you move into the home, allowing you to take steps to reduce your exposure if necessary.
- Provides a comprehensive inspection: A home inspector can test for radon as part of a comprehensive home inspection, giving you a thorough understanding of the condition of the home you’re purchasing.
- Increases home value: If the home inspector finds elevated levels of radon, the homeowner may take steps to reduce the levels, which can increase the value of the home.
- Protects your investment: By testing for radon, a home inspector can help protect your investment by ensuring that the home you’re purchasing is safe and healthy.
It’s important to note that while some states require home inspectors to test for radon, others do not. If you’re purchasing a home, it’s a good idea to ask your home inspector about their policy on radon testing and to request that the test be included as part of the inspection if it’s not already included.
Not really sure what Radon is and how it gets in your home?
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless and tasteless gas that can be harmful to your health if it builds up in your home. There are several reasons why you should test for radon:
- Health risk: Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, and long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
- Peace of mind: Knowing the radon levels in your home can give you peace of mind and allow you to take action to reduce your exposure if necessary.
- Protects your family: Protecting your family from the potential health risks of radon exposure is one of the most important reasons to test for radon.
- Increases home value: If you are planning to sell your home, having a radon test can provide potential buyers with valuable information about the health and safety of the property, and can increase its value.
In summary, testing for radon is an important step in protecting the health and safety of you and your family, and in maintaining the value of your home. It’s recommended to test for radon every two years, or whenever you make changes to your home that could affect radon levels.
Radon Links
- EPA Radon Publications
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (1992). Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon (1993). A Physician’s Guide to Radon (1993). Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction (1992). Radon Mitigation Standards (1994). Radon Resistant New Construction. The U.S. EPA
- Health Effects of Exposure to Indoor Radon: BEIR VI (1999)
Summary of the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VI Report. The National Academy of Sciences (1998)
- Residential Radon and Lung Cancer Case-Control Study
The latest and largest-ever epidemiological study on the risks of residential radon. At the EPA “action level” (4 pCi/L), the lung cancer risk to women increases by 50%. U of Iowa (May, 2000)
- Radon Mitigation
More information for mitigation.
- How Radon Causes Lung Cancer
“It’s Perfectly Safe, But Don’t Breathe Too Deeply” report on lung cancer risks. Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility.
- Radon Measurement Methods
A technical comparison of atmospheric radon measurement methods for homeowners and experts. Integrated Environmental Management
- The Health Costs of Man-Made Low-Level Ionizing Radiation
Studies show that radiation from medical procedures has played a role in causing over 50% of cancer deaths and coronary heart disease in the US during the twentieth century. Dr. John Gofman