This is such a huge topic, and many home buyers are not aware of what it even is, so I thought posting some information would be helpful to buyers. My own home and many that I have worked with have had issues with Radon. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, invisible, and tasteless radioactive gas which is released by natural decomposition or decay of uranium which is commonly found in soil or rock. Radon is normally naturally occurring, but may also be a bi-product of industrial processing. Radon enters homes through small cracks in a homes foundation, openings around pipes or even through the sump pits. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. And the second leading cause overall. Most of New Jersey is rated as a high to moderate Radon Potential.

Testing for Radon...

Testing your home for Radon is easy, and mitigation (correcting the problem) usually can remove even the highest levels of Radon. There are options that a homeowner has regarding testing you can purchase test kits to do it yourself (always make sure they are labeled with the NJ certification number of the company that produced the test kit). Or you can hire a contractor to do the testing - make sure the contractor that leaves and picks
up the testing materials is certified by the state. If a homeowner is doing a test for themselves, they may do all or part of the test.

When Buying a Home...

I always recommend to my buyers to have the home they are purchasing tested for Radon. With the levels that we have seen in southern New Jersey any home is succeptible. When hiring your home inspector, you can inquire about the Radon testing. Make sure that the contractor will close and pick up the test when the required time for the testing period has elapsed. Neither the Buyer, the Realtor, or the Homeowner can perform any part of this test, including closing the test, picking it up, or sending it to the labratory.