Radon test...what's that and should I be concerned?

Buying A Home

So, you have just received news that your offer was accepted by the seller and you now have a valid purchase agreement.  Should you obtain a radon inspection?  The short answer is: YES.  Radon is a breakdown of uranium in the soil, and as a radioactive gas, it is a heavy gas.  It  finds its way into a home through cracks and crevices in the basement. The typical cost for the actual radon test is $100-$175, which you will pay for.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking.  The EPA has stated that any value of 4.0 pico curies per liter (4.0 pCi/L) or higher is considered too high and it should be mitigated.  Installing a radon mitigation system is simple and usually costs about $800 - $1,200.  A hole is punched through the basement concrete floor and a sealed exhaust pipe with a quiet exhaust motor/fan is installed.  The pipe routes any radon gas beneath the concrete slab and sends it outside where it disipates.  Most home sellers agree to install a system in order to keep the sale of the home intact. 

If a radon test comes back at < 4.0 pCi/L, this means the home is under the maximum safe value AT THE TIME OF THE TEST.  However, do not be lulled into a false sense of security.  Your home could have elevated and unacceptable levels of radon a month later.  Some homeowners choose to test periodically or to install a mitigation system after they move into the home.

Be wise, be safe, be informed, be well.

Date: Tuesday, December, 9th 2008 @ 01:08:42 PM
Views: 176

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