What is radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s produced by decaying uranium.  Almost all soil has radon so every home will have some levels of radon.  The EPA guidelines are that at an average level of 4.0, a radon mitigation system is recommended.
Why is it a problem?
When radon enters your home, it gets trapped. High exposure can cause lung cancer and radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US.
How does it enter a home?
The gas moves from the soil into a home. While it can come directly through concrete, the worst entry points are gaps in walls and floors. Any house, of any age, in any state can have elevated radon levels. Not to mention, you neighbor’s radon level may differ because it all depends on how your specific home interacts with the surrounding soil. Â Also, soil may differ due to more or less rockiness and thus, affects the radon levels.
Should I test for it?
We recommend it and always will. Â It is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Â Spending the additional $150 (roughly) is worth piece of mind and safety.
What is a radon mitigation system and does it really work?
A radon mitigation system draws the radon-laden soil gas from beneath the foundation and exhausts it outside of the home, far enough so that it will not reenter. Â Most systems include a monitor that will alert you if the system is not working. Â You should retest your home within 24hours-30 days after installing the system. Â Its always a good idea to re-test your home about every 2 years.
If I have a radon system, do I need to disclose that?
Absolutely. Â If you are selling your home and know that you have a radon system, you are legally bound to disclose this information to potential buyers.
Will it affect the sale of my home?
If your potential buyer does a radon test and the levels come back higher than the EPA guidelines, it is necessary for you to install the system as it presents a health risk. Â If you have a radon system, most times it will go unnoticed to a Buyer. Â There may be the occasional Buyer that marks it on their list as an absolute no in their home, but for the majority, it should be an unnoticed factor.
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Thanks for pointing out that radon can come directly through concrete, but the worst entry points are gaps in walls and floors. My husband and I are thinking about testing for radon because pour neighbors were having trouble with radon so we think we might too. I think it would be smart to call a radon mitigation company that can help us test for it and get rid of it if we have it so that it can all be taken care of and we won’t have to worry about it anymore.