Ensuring your new home is safe for you and your family
As the summer season approaches, many individuals and families are embarking on the exciting journey of purchasing a new home. While there are numerous factors to consider during this process, one critical aspect that should not be overlooked is testing for Radon. A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if present in elevated levels within a home, Radon issues can only be identified through specialized Radon Testing.
Before purchasing your home, here are some things to consider about this invisible danger, and how you can be sure that your home is safe.
Understanding Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by the decay of uranium found naturally in the soil and rock beneath our feet. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Once inside, Radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, particularly in lower areas such as basements and crawl spaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified Radon exposure as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, making it a significant concern for homeowners.
The Importance of Radon Testing
Testing for Radon is essential for several reasons:
- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to high Radon levels can lead to lung cancer. The risk is higher for smokers, but non-smokers are also at risk.
- An Invisible Threat: Because Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to detect its presence is through specialized Radon testing.
- Property Value: Homes with an unresolved high Radon level may be less desirable to buyers, affecting resale value.
How to Test for Radon
There are two primary methods for testing Radon levels: short-term testing and long-term testing.
Short-Term Testing
Short-term tests are typically used for initial screening and last from 2 to 90 days. They are quick and inexpensive, providing a snapshot of Radon levels and are extremely common as part of the home buying process. In fact, many Home Inspectors are able to provide Radon Testing during their inspection, with the majority of these tests being short-term tests that run for 2 to 3 days. Common devices used for short-term testing include:
- Activated Charcoal Canisters: A common type of home testkit, Activated Charcoal Radon Test Kits absorb Radon from the surrounding air and are then sent to a lab for analysis.
- Continuous Radon Monitors: These devices are commonly used by Licensed Radon Testers, such as many Home Inspectors, and will monitor the Radon level throughout the testing period. These can be extremely accurate and helpful as they provide both an hourly count as well as an average during the testing period. For the sake of determine if, and to what extent, a Radon issue may exist in a home, the overall average will generally be used.
Long-Term Testing
Long-term tests provide a more accurate measurement of Radon levels as they account for seasonal fluctuations over time. These tests last for more than 90 days and often use Continuous Radon Monitors, which provide ongoing readings. The primary benefit to long-term testing is that it can identify seasonal changes that may indicate that Radon Mitigation may be necessary or recommended whereas short-term testing is only able to provide results for the time period and season in which it was performed. Seasonal changes in the Radon level inside your new home can vary significantly depending on your areas climate and weather patterns.
What Radon Testing is Best For You?
Choosing the right Radon test for your needs will depend on your needs. The most common Radon Test during a home purchase will be a short-term Radon Test that will run for 2 to 3 days. Often, this test can be performed by your Home Inspector during the home inspection process, with a detailed report being provided upon the completion of the test that will detail the average Radon level during the testing period and whether a Radon Mitigation System is recommended.
While long-term tests aren’t generally recommended for everyone, due to the seasonal changes in Radon level that could impact your home, we do recommend testing your home during different seasons so that you can address Radon levels that may spike during certain times of the year. This won’t be part of the real estate transaction or home purchase, but will provide you with peace of mind that your home is safe for you and your family. If you do find that your Radon level spikes above the 4.0 pCi/L action level at any time during the year, a Radon Mitigation System would be recommended to address these seasonal spikes.
Interpreting Test Results
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action if Radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. If your test results indicate high Radon levels, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Disaster Blaster, who will be happy to assist you .
As scary as Radon can be, it’s important to keep in mind that these issues can be addressed effectively through the installation of a Radon Mitigation System and that everyone is here to help you through the process, from your Home Inspector (who can assist with Radon Testing), to our team at Disaster Blaster (who are always happy to help with your Radon Mitigation needs).
Resolving Radon Problems
Radon issues in homes are very common and easily remedied, so there’s no reason for alarm if your Radon level happens to be high. Disaster Blaster Radon Mitigation Experts are able to assess the unique needs of your home and install a specialized Radon Mitigation System that reduces the Radon levels inside your home and vents it to the outside above your roofline where it is able to dissipate.
There is no reason for an issue as simple a high Radon level to affect your purchase of a home because Radon Mitigation Systems are effective, commonly installed as part of the home buying process, and can often be installed in as little as one day, allowing you and your family to start enjoying your new home right away.
Additional Radon Resources
Please check out these additional resources answering common questions about Radon issues in homes, understanding your Radon Test Results, and the Radon Mitigation Process.
Can Radon contaminate Home Water?
Understanding your Radon Test Results
Understanding your Radon Mitigation System
As you embark on the journey of buying a home this summer, we highly recommend making Radon testing a priority, as ensuring that your new home is safe from this invisible threat will provide peace of mind and protect the health of your family. By understanding the importance of Radon testing, conducting thorough tests, and taking appropriate mitigation steps, you can create a safe and healthy living environment in your new home.
As always, if you do discover high Radon levels in your current or future home, we’re here to help address those issues for you! Please don’t hesitate to Contact Your Local Disaster Blaster. We’re always happy to help!
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