Gorilla Home Inspections

Radon testing is an important part of protecting the health and safety of the people living in a home. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, floor drains, sump pits, plumbing penetrations, and other openings where the home contacts the ground. Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, there is no way to know whether elevated levels are present without testing.

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among people who do not smoke. The risk is even greater for smokers who are also exposed to elevated radon.

One of the biggest misconceptions about radon is that certain homes or neighborhoods are not at risk. Radon levels can vary significantly from one property to another, even between neighboring homes. The age, construction style, foundation type, or appearance of a home cannot reliably predict its radon level. A newer home can have elevated radon just as easily as an older home.

Testing is the only reliable way to determine the radon concentration inside a home. During a real estate transaction, a properly performed radon test provides buyers with valuable information before purchasing the property. For current homeowners, periodic testing can also identify changes in radon levels over time.

The good news is that elevated radon levels can usually be corrected. Radon mitigation systems are commonly installed to reduce concentrations to safer levels. Testing is a relatively simple step that can identify an invisible environmental hazard and provide homeowners with the information needed to take appropriate action.