Test for Radon before You Sell
JANUARY is RADON AWARENESS MONTH
What is Radon?
Radon is an colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay of radioactive elements (e.g. granite, uranium) which are found at different levels in the soil and rock around the base and under your home. The radon gas given off by the rock and soil can enter buildings through minute fractures in the basement floor or foundation, walls, construction joints, or gaps in the foundations around pipes, wires and pumps.
Why Test for Radon?
The EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related.
Radon is present year round even in the most beautiful new homes and condos.
Testing for Radon during the Winter to Spring months will also give you the most accurate reading, and the comfort that you’ve made a wise business decision that will also improve your health. Usually, the seller often covers the cost of the test.
Always have your home Radon tested by a certified AARSTprofessional.
Why is Winter is the best time to test for radon?
Radon levels are usually at their highest during Winter months particularly in basements when the concentration of Radon gas is often the highest. This is because the windows and doors, which often help vent the gas in the warmer months, are now closed.
By testing your home’s radon levels now, you’ll get the most accurate reading and know if your home requires a mitigation system.
The testing is not difficult and should take no more than 48 hours. Follow all directions given by your certified NRPP – EPA – AARST professional to ensure accurate results (e.g. do not touch the monitor; do not open any windows.)
Common Myths about Radon
1. Why should I have professional perform my test versus one of those store kits?
Most store kits are indeed cheap, but are very often inaccurate, dated or spoiled. More importantly, they are not EPA certified for real estate transaction testing, and can take up to 90 days to get a reading.
NOTE:
It is best to have an AARST certified and experienced professional like Scot McLean of Towne & Country Building Inspection — we are listed with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and EPA as a certified testing and monitoring specialist with approved equipment. If you need radon testing in Milwaukee please call us today.
Towne & Country Building Inspection’s
NRPP ID#: ID3800RT
2. True or False: Test Once and Done
FALSE! U.S. Surgeon General recommends annual radon tests to prevent unnecessary exposure and ensure that your mitigation system (if you already have one) is installed correctly and working properly.
3. True or False:
I don’t need to test as no one in my neighborhood seems to have a problem.
FALSE! Because radon is invisible and odorless most home owners don’t even know if they have a problem. This can be of particular challenge to both buyers and sellers, especially when a basement is finished and used as living space. Know for certain by having it tested before the sale as it is a prudent business and health decision.
4. True or False:
I don’t need to test since my home or condo is brand new.
FALSE! Even newly constructed homes and condos are susceptible to radon gas leaking through the foundation and cement floor slabs. Have it tested before you buy and again every year to be sure.
5. True or False:
I don’t have a basement so I don’t need to test for radon.
FALSE! If your home doesn’t have a basement, it definitely still has a cement slab you are living on top of – particularly in condos, town homes, duplexes and tri-level homes. Thus, the same rules apply for how Radon gas can get into ground level living space.
What is RADON? by the EPA
Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?
Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com
