January Is National Radon Action Month!
The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of radon. According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung-cancer deaths among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung-cancer deaths among smokers. Lung cancer from radon is a preventable condition, and if radon levels are high, the gases can be mitigated.
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that can cause lung cancer, and the EPA urges that homes, schools, and other buildings be tested for the gas. The test is a simple, inexpensive procedure, but many people are not aware of the necessity of testing for radon.
During January, the EPA is urging everyone to do four things:
- Test for radon
- Attend an educational program if possible
- Spread the word
- Check into radon-resistent construction if you are thinking about buying a new home
I recently was working with buyers who were about to set up a home inspection and told me that they weren't going to do a radon test. I always recommend that the test be done, so I asked them why they were not going to do it. They said they didn't think it was necessary and it would add to the cost of their home inspection. Of course the choice is theirs, but I wanted to be sure that they had enough information to make an informed decision so I sent them the links in this post.
Before we ended our discussion, I also pointed out that the price of the test was a small one to pay for piece of mind and health. In addition, if high radon levels are found, the seller has the responsibility of mitigating it. In the unlikely event that the seller refuses to do that, high radon levels would then be a material fact that must be disclosed to all future buyers. That's not going to help sell a home, and sellers know that.
My clients called me back a few hours later to say they were going to do the test.
Radon testing isn't just for those buying a home today; it's important for everyone. Radon testing wasn't always the standard, so homeowners who have never had a radon test should consider testing as well. If you bought your house ten or more years ago, chances are that you didn't have a radon test. Don't take a chance, test now.
If you are still not convinced that you should test for radon, watch this
short video.
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