January is Radon Awareness Month

To spread awareness, the EPA and the American Lung association have tagged January as Radon Awareness Month and if you are in the process of buying or selling a home,  have been reading our blogs, or visiting the EPA.gov site you probably already know a bit about this odorless gas.  But did you know that  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking?  Other things you might not be aware of are:

• High radon levels have been found in every state.
• Levels can vary widely, even from home to home in the same neighborhood.
• Radon levels can be lowered, and homes can be built radon-resistant.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America

Radon is naturally occurring, odorless, and non-visible radioactive gas that comes from uranium in the ground.     You can’t see, smell or taste radon. Outdoors radon is dispersed into the atmosphere, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home, entering through cracks, foundation walls, floors, or other openings like a sump. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

What does the EPA Recommend?

1. If you are buying or selling your home, have it tested for radon
2. When you are buying new construction, ask if radon resisting features were or can be used and have the home tested.
3. Fix homes with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. (*Note- radon levels less than 4 still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced).

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

Real estate professionals, a home buyers and home sellers, should all know about Radon.  In addition, if it is found in a home before or after an inspection, it needs to be disclosed.  It is a serious health risk, but it is easy to test and easy to fix.  You should test no matter where you live.  Radon has been found all over the united states and in all type of homes (basement, crawlspaces, slabs…).  The only way to know your home has radon is to test for it.  You can order you test online at www.mirowskiinspections.com,  or call the office at 417-873-9517.