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Why Should I Test for
Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless,
tasteless, and chemically inert. Unless you test for it, there is no way of
telling how much is present.
Radon is estimated to cause many
thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing
radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that
radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking
causes more lung cancer deaths.
Testing is the only way to know
if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General
recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy
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Where is Radon Found?
Radon can be found all over the U.S.
It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result
in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get
your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in
the U.S.
is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have
been found in homes throughout Central Florida and Northern Colorado.
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How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Any home may have a radon problem.
Radon typically moves up through
the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes
in the foundation. This is why any structure in contact with the ground may
have radon. Your home traps radon
inside, where it can build up. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and
drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Can New Homes Have
Radon?
Yes. EPA recommends that every new home be tested
after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant.
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How to Test
Your Home
The quickest way to test is with
short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your home for two days when using
active devices referred to as "continuous air monitors," which are
the detectors most commonly used for real estate transactions and may be used
to decide whether to fix your home.
Most radon reduction or "mitigation" systems include a monitor that will
alert you if the system needs servicing. However, regardless of who fixes the problem,
you should test the home afterward to be sure that radon levels have been
reduced. Potential conflict of interest can be avoided by using an independent
tester.
In addition, it's a good idea to retest your home sometime in the future to
be sure radon levels remain low.
How often should a home be
tested?
EPA recommends that testing for radon in the air should be done at least
every two years or as required or recommended by state or local authority.
Retesting is also recommended if the building undergoes significant alteration
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Radon and
Home Sales
More and more, home buyers and renters are asking about
radon levels before they buy or rent a home. Because real estate sales happen
quickly, there is often little time to deal with radon and other issues. The
best thing for sellers to do is to
test for radon NOW and save the results in case the buyer is interested in
them. Fix a problem if it exists so it won't complicate your home sale.
Buyers often ask if a
home has been tested, and if elevated levels were reduced. Some buyers also might want to know the radon
levels in areas of the home (like a basement they plan to finish) that the
seller might not otherwise test.
Buyers frequently want tests made by
someone who is not involved in the home sale.
National Inspection Services can assist you in identifying levels of
radon in your existing or new home.
Should I test if a radon
mitigation system has already been installed?
Most radon reduction or "mitigation" systems include a monitor that will
alert you if the system needs servicing. However, regardless of who fixes the problem,
you should test the home afterward to be sure that radon levels have been
reduced. Potential conflict of interest can be avoided by using an independent
tester.
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In addition, it's a good idea to retest your home sometime in the future to
be sure radon levels remain low.
How often should a home be
tested?
EPA recommends that testing for radon in the air should be done at least
every two years or as required or recommended by state or local authority.
Retesting is also recommended if the building undergoes significant alteration.
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