Radon is a gas created by the decay of uranium in rocks, soil, and water. It can make its way into your home and cause serious illness when levels are higher than normal. With January being National Radon Action month, homeowners are urged to schedule radon testing to assess their risk.

Radon & Lung Cancer

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer with up to 22,000 lung cancer deaths being attributed to it on a yearly basis. As the gas enters a home it’s slowly inhaled, and over time radioactive particles in the gas cause damage to the lungs. While it can cause cancer in non-smokers, smokers who are exposed to this gas have an even higher risk.

Why Radon Testing Is So Important

Because radon is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible to detect in your home. That’s why radon testing is so important. Short-term testing returns immediate results, but it doesn’t provide information on the yearly average of radon in the home. Conversely, long-term testing provides results over a 90-day period. Testing devices can utilize everything from charcoal strips to electrically charged plastic to detect the level of radon in the home.

How to Prevent Radon From Entering Your Home

Along with radon testing, there are steps you can take to protect your home. If you have a dirt floor in your basement, consider having it finished to reduce exposure to soil. You should also have any cracks in your home sealed, particularly around windows and doors and in pipes. If your home has a fireplace the chimney damper should be shut any time it’s not in use.

If you’re buying a home in Highland Heights, KY, radon testing is a must. Prior To Purchase Inspection Services offers this and many other home inspection services so you can rest assured you’re making a valuable investment. Trained inspectors will look at the plumbing system, roof, electrical components, and HVAC equipment. Once your inspection is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report featuring these areas of your home as well as many others. Schedule an inspection today by calling (859) 802-8561. You can also visit them online for more information on services.