WHAT IS RADON?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that can be found all over the U.S.  Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, in rock and water and gets into the air that you breathe.  It can be found anywhere and can seep through any type of building - your home, included.

The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes with basements, first floor and second floor levels.  Should the radon test be returned with a level higher than 4.0 then the EPA recommends treatment.

Radon is estimated to cause thousands of deaths each year.  Testing is usually around $100 if done at the same time as a general home inspection when you are purchasing a home.  You can also purchase at most hardware stores, self-testing kits for the DIYer.

If you have more questions about Radon, contacting a home inspector is one way to get some answers OR the EPA has "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" that you can get online.