radon testing: why you need to now
Can you name the second leading cause of lung cancer in America? Hint: it might be in your basement right now.
Scary, right? So while you’ve heard about the dangers of carbon monoxide in your home, do you know about radon? Many homeowners aren’t aware of radon, much less the serious, detrimental effects of extended radon exposure, yet the EPA estimates that 8 million U.S. homes have elevated levels of radon. Is yours one?
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that forms as a product of the decay of uranium and other elements in soil. Extended exposure to the gas can be very dangerous; in fact, the EPA says that exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
Since the earthquake in 2011, there has been a rise in the number of homes that have above acceptable radon levels. In layman’s terms, it has something to do with soil shifts leading to an increase in radon’s ability to seep up into buildings and accumulate there. Radon levels also skyrocket during colder months.
How do I test for radon? What if we have it?
Radon is something realtors see daily because it is part of the home inspection process when selling your home. The EPA recommends radon remediation at a level of 4.0 PCI/L or higher. Homeowners should test annually, especially if they spend large amounts of time in their basement. The good news is that testing is inexpensive.
Testing kits can be purchased at Home Depot and Lowes or by calling Arlington Radon, who frequently tests for Patterson Group clients. If radon at levels of 4.0 or higher are found, a radon mitigation system should be installed by a radon professional. Depending on your soil and home’s foundation, the cost for mitigation systems will range from $800-$2,000.
Bottom line: Regardless if you are moving or staying, test for radon. It’s never fun when the last step in your home-selling transaction is installing a mitigation system whose health benefits you did not get to enjoy.
Find out more here.
- About the team
The Patterson Group is one of the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving Alexandria, VA for over thirty years. We offer professional, hardworking, detailed and friendly service and a large network of contacts and resources accrued over our many years in Alexandria real estate. Comprised of seven Alexandria locals, six of whom are licensed realtors and three of whom are accredited staging professionals, The Patterson Group is passionate and knowledgeable about Alexandria, VA and here for all of your Northern VA real estate needs. Allow us to help you find your home here and discover all that the Alexandria lifestyle has to offer.
400 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.310.6201
1 Comment
I’m glad I’ve stumbled upon this article; at least now I’m aware that radon is odorless and that is why it’s harder to detect. Anyhow, my sister would like to hire a radon mitigation service that will be able to inspect her prospective home before she purchased it. Nevertheless, I’ll keep in mind to inform her about the importance of having the home tested annually.