You may want to consider a radon test if you’re buying or selling real estate in the East Mountains or the Foothills or anywhere in Bernalillo County for that matter.
Most people probably haven’t even heard of Radon, what it is; and, how it can affect a person. Radon, or exposure to it, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the EPA, each year about 20,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon.
Radon is in the air naturally as uranium decays in our soils and water. It can seep into our homes and office buildings if it has no way to escape into the atmosphere. Sub-ground level areas can have an even higher risk of radon exposure.
The EPA has guidelines designed to help us know what is or isn’t a safe level of radon. Should a home or office building have a high level of radon in its inside air there are recommended courses of action that can be taken by a qualified radon contractor.
Bernalillo County, where I reside, has been identified by the EPA as an area with the potential for high radon levels based on the local geology. Most new home builders here in Bernalillo County are installing passive radon mitigation in their homes. This passive system will help to bypass the inside of the home and allow the radon gases to escape safely into the atmosphere.
Radon testing is offered by many of the home inspection companies. It requires testing equipment to be in the home for a minimum of 48 hours in order to collect data. That data is then translated into an average reading.
This reading is then compared to the EPA’s guidelines for what is considered a safe or a toxic level of radon in the home. There are proven methods of abatement and it is highly recommended that you talk with a qualified radon contractor to assess the various options.
I own a home in the East Mountains with a walk-out. Guess I better order a radon test for my own home especially since almost 1/3 is below grade. If you are looking to buy a home in the East Mountains, give me a call at 505-417-5298.
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