When you set out to purchase a home, you’ll want to know that you are investing in a property that is safe and secure for your family. However, there may be an invisible threat lurking in the background that you are unaware of: radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that’s associated with significant health risks related to long-term exposure. No home is immune to radon, which is why radon testing has become commonplace for real estate transactions.
Why Radon Testing Is Part of Real Estate Transactions
Most realtors will recommend radon testing as part of the home inspection process because there is no way to know if a home has elevated radon levels unless you test for it. When testing for radon, it’s important to recognize that there is no truly safe level of radon. However, the EPA states that levels above 4pCi/L require mitigation, while levels above 2pCi/L should put homeowners on alert to consider mitigation.
How Radon Infiltrates Homes
Radon is naturally present in the soil. Outdoors, the gas is diluted enough that it does not pose a significant risk. Indoors, however, radon levels can build up to unsafe levels as it’s absorbed into the lower levels of the home through the soil. Radon is typically drawn into the home due to pressure differences between the surrounding soil and the indoor air, especially during the wintertime when indoor air is much warmer than the soil outside.
Moving Forward with a Sale After Radon Testing
High radon levels won’t necessarily make or break a home sale, but action will need to be taken for the sale to move forward. A seller may install a radon mitigation system before the sale closes, or they might lower the price of the home to account for future radon mitigation installation. Generally, it is favorable for radon mitigation systems to be installed before the sale closes and for the property to be retested to ensure that it is safe and ready for new homeowners to move in.
For trusted radon testing and mitigation services, count on Green Earth Remediation. Our team works quickly and efficiently, cleaning up after every service to keep your home ready to show throughout the testing process.
