When it comes to home inspections, the more thorough, the better. One essential aspect of home inspections that often goes overlooked is radon testing. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas known to seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes or other openings. It is odorless, tasteless and invisible, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment.

We’re often asked the question: is radon testing really necessary? The answer is unequivocally yes. Allow us to be your guide to understanding why.

Understanding Radon and Its Risks

To really appreciate radon health effects and why it’s so important to test for radon’s presence during a home inspection, let’s dive into some key points:

What is Radon?

As noted, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock and water. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized equipment. Radon can enter homes through gaps around pipes, cracks in the foundation or other openings in the structure. Once indoors, radon can accumulate to levels that pose a serious health risk to occupants.

Health Effects of Radon Exposure

Exposure to high levels of radon over time increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon decays into radioactive particles that can become trapped in the lungs when inhaled. These particles emit radiation that damages lung tissue and can lead to cancerous growths over time. 

Radon risks are very serious. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States alone.

It’s important to note that radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, so individuals may not realize they’ve been exposed until they develop lung cancer years later. This underscores the importance of radon testing as a preventative measure to identify and mitigate radon levels before they pose a health risk.

The Critical Need for Radon Testing

As you learn more about radon facts, it’s easy to see why testing is so important. Radon levels can vary greatly from one home to another, even within the same neighborhood. Factors such as the geological composition of the soil beneath a home, the home’s construction and its ventilation system can all affect radon levels. Therefore, assuming that a home is free from radon without testing is a risky assumption.

Is Radon Testing Really Necessary?

So just what is radon testing – and is it really necessary? The health effects of radon are just not worth the risk. Thankfully, radon testing is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce radon levels and minimize the risk to occupants.

These measures can include:

• Sealing cracks in the foundation
• Improving ventilation
• Installing a radon mitigation system

How to Test for Radon in a Home Inspection

Learning how to test for radon is simple. ICA School’s radon course offers a comprehensive overview of the process. Put simply, there are two primary methods for testing radon levels in a home: short-term testing and long-term testing. Short-term tests typically last between 2 and 7 days and provide a snapshot of radon levels in the home, while long-term tests continue for more than 90 days, providing a more accurate average radon level over time. Both methods have their advantages and are suitable for different situations.

Radon testing devices come in various forms, including passive devices such as charcoal canisters and alpha-track detectors, as well as active devices like continuous radon monitors. Each type of device has its own advantages and limitations, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Once you’ve selected a testing device, it’s crucial to place it in the lowest livable area of the home, such as the basement or ground floor. Avoid placing the device in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, as moisture can interfere with the accuracy of the test results.

Interpreting Your Radon Test Results

Once the testing period is complete, you’ll send the testing device to a qualified laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will provide a report detailing the radon levels in the home. If the results indicate elevated radon levels, it’s essential to take appropriate measures to mitigate the issue and reduce radon exposure for occupants.

Mitigating Radon Risks 

Understanding radon risks is the first step toward mitigating them. Radon typically enters homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes or other openings in the structure. Sealing these cracks and openings with caulk or other appropriate materials can help prevent radon from entering the home.

Increasing ventilation in the home can also help dilute radon levels and reduce the risk of exposure. This can be achieved by installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, opening windows and doors when weather permits, and ensuring that the home’s HVAC system is properly ventilated.

Reducing Radon Levels: What You Can Do

In some cases, more extensive measures may be necessary to reduce radon levels effectively. Radon mitigation systems, such as sub-slab depressurization systems, can be installed to draw radon from beneath the home and vent it safely outside. These systems typically consist of a vent pipe, fan, and sealing membrane installed beneath the home’s foundation.

Radon Testing as a Preventive Health Measure

While radon is invisible and odorless, its potential health risks are significant, making proactive testing essential for maintaining a safe living environment. Radon testing allows homeowners to detect elevated radon levels early on, providing an opportunity for timely intervention. By identifying radon presence before it reaches hazardous levels, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate the risks and safeguard their health.

Beyond the Test: The Long-Term Benefits of Radon Mitigation

Radon exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer, with prolonged exposure to elevated levels increasing the likelihood of developing the disease. By conducting radon testing and implementing mitigation measures if necessary, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer, thereby prioritizing their long-term health and well-being.

Earn Your Radon Testing Certification with ICA

If you’re a home inspector eager to diversify your service offerings and support the health and safety of your clients, earning your radon certification is a must. Sign up today!