Should I Get a Radon Test with a Home Inspection?
Recently, I was helping a friend get ready to put their house on the market when they asked about getting a radon test. I had never heard of radon before, so I looked into it and was shocked by what I found. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, and it’s found in homes all across the country. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test it. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon.
I decided to get my own home tested and was relieved to find that it didn’t have radon. But I’m so glad I did the test since I learned how important it is to protect yourself from this dangerous gas.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or through the water supply. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. It’s estimated that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
How Can I Test My Home for Radon?
There are two main types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests. Short-term tests are less expensive and take less time, but they’re not as accurate as long-term tests. Long-term tests are more expensive and take longer, but they’re more accurate. The type of test you choose will depend on your budget and how quickly you need the results.
What Do I Do If My Home Has Radon?
If your home has radon, there are things you can do to reduce the levels. The most common method is to install a radon mitigation system. This system will vent the radon from your home and keep the levels below the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are some tips and expert advice for getting a radon test:
- Test your home even if you don’t think you’re at risk. Radon can be found in homes in all parts of the country, regardless of the age of the home or the type of construction.
- Get a long-term test for the most accurate results. Short-term tests are less expensive, but they’re not as reliable.
- Hire a qualified radon professional to perform the test and interpret the results. This will ensure that the test is done correctly and that you get accurate results.
- If your home has radon, don’t panic. There are things you can do to reduce the levels and protect your health.
Follow these tips, and you can help protect yourself and your family from the dangers of radon.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of radon poisoning?
Radon poisoning doesn’t have any immediate symptoms. However, long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer.
How much does a radon test cost?
The cost of a radon test varies depending on the type of test you choose and the company you hire. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a short-term test and between $200 and $500 for a long-term test.
How often should I test my home for radon?
The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every 2 to 4 years. However, you may want to test your home more frequently if you live in an area with high radon levels or if you have made any changes to your home that could affect the radon levels.
If you’re interested in learning more about radon, I encourage you to visit the EPA’s website. They have a lot of great information about radon, including how to test your home and how to reduce radon levels.
