As a gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, radon can linger in the home or other building unnoticed. When radon levels are at or over 4 pCi/L, mitigation is necessary, because there is a greater risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, according to the Surgeon General of the United States, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, the first for nonsmokers.
Radon Testing If You Are Selling Your Home
Test your home prior to putting it on the market and make sure to test the lowest level of the home that is used consistently. In some states, you may need a radon measurement professional to follow a specific testing protocol. If you plan on testing for radon yourself, you should follow the EPA’s Radon Testing Checklist.
Radon Testing If You Are Buying a Home
- If the home you are about to purchase has been tested for radon, you might want to consider asking these questions: Who conducted the previous radon test? A homeowner? A contractor? A certified radon tester?
- Where was the radon test taken? Consider if the test was taken on the first floor but you’re going to be using the basement as the living area.
- Were there any structural changes done to the house since the test was completed?
If the home has not been tested for radon, you might want to request that the test be performed by a certified radon testing professional. In any case, consider:
- Where will the test located?
- Who will be conducting the test?
- What type of test will be used?
- How will the seller and buyer share test results and costs?
- Who will pay for the radon mitigation, if needed?
Please note, if you decide to renovate an unfinished room in the home, you should do a radon test both before beginning the project and after the project is completed.
