If you’re investing in a new property, inspections are crucial to ensure you know what you’re truly getting. During the process, you’ll want to schedule radon testing. This often-overlooked safety measure is essential to your family’s health and a topic many homeowners aren’t familiar with. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about this process.

Radon Testing FAQs

What is radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas produced by naturally occurring uranium and radium in the soil. It’s all around you, and when it’s released from the ground, it can accumulate in a home. This is especially prevalent in homes with crawlspaces and basements.

What are the dangers?

In small concentrations, radon is harmless. However, when it builds up in a poorly ventilated home, humans can develop cancer from long-term exposure. Radon is measured in Curies—a measurement for radioactivity. When levels in a home are over one-trillionth of a Curie (called a pico Curie), the US EPA considers them dangerous.

What happens during radon testing?

During routine radon testing, an inspector will place a detector in the lowest living space in a home—typically, a crawlspace. There, it will measure radon levels for at least 48 hours. Should they return and find levels are above 4.0 pCi/L, they’ll determine if levels in other areas of the home are dangerous, or if proper crawlspace ventilation is keeping them safe.

How do I fix high radon levels?

Radon mitigation is accomplished by installing a system that draws radon gas from the soil before it can enter your home. A surface pipe is pushed into the ground until it’s below your home’s foundation. Then, a fan, which will always be running, will draw all radon gases from the soil and safely disperse them into the air.

If you’re ready to schedule radon testing, contact Prior to Purchase Inspection Services, LLC. These home inspectors proudly serve residents of Highland Heights, KY, and will ensure your home is free of termites, mold, radon, and other threats. They provide both residential and commercial building inspections, which you can explore on their website. Call (859) 802-8561 today to speak with a representative.