When I ask my clients if they want a radon test, most of them say " What's Radon?" or "Why should I have that tested?". The truth is radon doesn't affect everyone so its not as well known as other gases like carbon monoxide is. I guess we can start with: What is Radon?
The EPA has a site dedicated to radon gas, which you can find here. Basically, radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in nature and is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Kinda crazy that radon is all around us. But out in nature it is relatively harmless as it easily dissipates up into the that atmosphere. But in our homes, schools and office buildings, that gas cannot dissipate as easily and the gas can build up to dangerous levels. That's if you live in an area that has radon. Not all areas have radon. Remember, it is a natural occurring gas so it is all about the makeup if the ground we are on. Here is a map of the radon levels in Michigan to so you can better understand the different areas.
As you can see there are different levels of Radon depending on where you live. It is always good to have a test done when purchasing a home. The EPA recommends testing every 2 years as the radon levels can change over time. And since it is odorless and tasteless, you would have no indication if the levels were to rise or fall without testing.
A radon test is a common service to add on for a home inspection, once people are aware of the dangers, but depending on where the home is located, the couple may forego the radon test. We offer this service as an add on
to the home inspection or as a stand alone service. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about radon, radon testing or if you are unsure if you need to have your home tested. It is a a non invasive test that takes about 48 hours to complete. We would be happy to talk about the service, so you can make the right decision for you and your family.
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