Share:

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that an average of 21,000 lung cancer-related deaths are caused by radon — a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that’s typically found in igneous rock and soil as well as well water. Since radon typically forms in the ground and can find numerous ways to seep into homes, Archway Home Inspections in Cincinnati, OH, suggests having a radon inspection at least every two years.

If your home hasn’t had a radon inspection since you bought the place, you and your family’s health might be at risk. Below are just some of the reasons why it is important to regularly test for this colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas:

  • radon inspectionIts Levels Vary With Each Season & the Weather: When it is colder outside, the warm air inside your home rises up and exits through the upper area of your house. This creates a vacuum — known as Air Pressure Differentials (APDs) — that sucks up the soil gasses containing radon beneath your home. This vacuum can also be created when severe storms and high winds hit your home, and while rain can block soil pathways, your home’s radon concentrations will be at higher levels during times of heavy rain.
  • It Can Easily Penetrate Building Materials: Since it is only composed of a single atom, radon can easily penetrate numerous materials. This includes common materials used to build homes like sheetrock, concrete block, mortar, wood paneling, sheathing, and most insulation materials. The good news is that most modern homes are also built with features like gas permeable layers and plastic sheeting that block radon from entering the more vulnerable components. However, a radon inspection is still recommended because the gas can find its way through cracks that develop in the floors and walls, as well as construction joints, gaps between suspended floors, and gaps around service pipes. Many of these problems can arise after remodeling or adding an addition to your home.
  • It Can Remain in Your Home for Years: Since there are no clear early warning signs of radon exposure, you can live with it for years before noticing any health issues. Because of this, numerous organizations like the EPA, American Lung Association, and the National Safety Council recommend having regular radon inspections performed on your home. It is the only way to know your radon levels, and if you already have a radon detector in your home, it’s the best way to ensure this device is in good working order.

If it has been a while since your last radon inspection, contact Archway Home Inspections to schedule one today. You can speak to one of their contractors by calling (513) 871-1473, or visit their website to learn more about the importance of radon testing.

tracking