Home Inspections: What is the Radon test?

Both buyers and sellers are thrilled. The negotiations have ended on the sale of a property and now the property is pending with contingencies such as the inspection. During this period, the buyer hires an inspection company to check the property for a variety of system and equipment items such as condition of appliances, air conditioning and heating, hot water, electrical, structure, mold, radon etc.

One very important inspection that is completed is testing for radon. Would is shock you to learn that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer? It was reported that an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon-related. Radon is a dangerous gas, is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material that is found in soil, rock, and ground water.  Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States and Canada is estimated to have an elevated radon level.

How does radon get into homes? It typically moves up through the ground to the air above it and into homes through cracks and other holes found in the foundation. Any home can have a radon problem-this includes old and new homes, well-sealed and drafty homes and homes with and without basements. Radon testing is the only way to know if you and your family are safe from radon and its effects. The radon inspection takes approximately two to three days to complete. Results are provided  directly to the client for review. Even if you do not feel that your home is at risk, it is important to check the air quality and the presence of radon in living quarters. When shopping for a home, make sure to do your due diligence and include home inspections before you buy.