Radon Testing Information

    One aspect that seems to get lost in a home inspection is the testing for Radon gas. Some homebuyers are not aware of Radon gas, or have only heard of it. This page will help educate you more on Radon and radon testing to ensure that your home is a safe place for you and your family.

    One myth about Radon gas is that you only have to worry about it if you live in a certain area. This is absolutely false, and couldn't be further from the truth. It does not matter if you live in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Beaver Dam, or any city you can think of. Elevated levels of Radon have been detected throughout the entire US. Radon is a naturally occuring element in the soil of our planet, and exits on a completely random schedule. In many ways it acts like water, it will take the path of least resistance. If that path happens to be your home, you will see elevated levels of Radon, possibly exposing you and your family to adverse health effects.

For a pdf of this map click here.

   The house we are buying is brand new, so there shouldn't be any problems with Radon. This is another common misconception about Radon gas. Not all builders are using Radon resistant building materials. These materials will help reduce Radon levels in the home. All new homes shoud have Radon testing performed before closing or before occupancy. Having radon testing performed can help find elevated levels of Radon in your new home. By finding these levels, you can have the builder install a mitigation sytem, which will reduce the Radon levels in your new home.

  The  home we are buying is fifty years old, so if there was a problem, the seller would know. This is one more myth about Radon and homeowners. Radon is colorless and odorless. you cannot see it or smell it. the only way to know it is there is to have radon testing done on the home. If the previous owner has never had radon testing performed, the levels may be elevated. It is very important to have Radon testing done to be sure the Radon is not building up in the home.

  Radon gas elevation can occur in any home, this is a fact. Radon exits the earth in a completely random order. The house down the street could  have a perfectly acceptable level of radon, while your home could have elevated levels of radon. This is the reason that the EPA recommends radon testing be performed in all homes, especially in a real estate transaction.

  Radon gas has been linked to lung cancer. This is another fact about radon gas. Here is a great example of why you should have radon testing performed on your home. Most people try to maintain a certain level of health. We try to eat and exercise properly. We choose not to smoke, for fear of getting lung cancer. If you are smoker and are subjected to high radon levels, your chance of lung cancer is extremely elevated. However, even if you don't smoke, and are subjected to high radon levels, you are still susceptible to lung cancer. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US today.

  I encourage you to go to the Blog section of this website for more information regarding Radon and Radon testing. Below are several pieces of information regarding Radon gas and Radon testing.

  Every home should have radon testing performed. By testing, you are ensuring the health of yourself and your family. I encourage you to protect yourself against the harmful effects of radon and have a radon test performed on your home today.

  To learn about testing procedures contact Ian at Square One Home Inspection today.