Do I Need a Radon Inspection?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been proven to cause cancer. It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible, making it impossible to detect without testing. Homes with radon levels above the safe threshold pose a significant health risk because of how much time we spend in our homes.
As a certified home and radon inspector, we get a lot of questions about this health hazard. Here are the top questions and their answers:
As a certified home and radon inspector, we get a lot of questions about this health hazard. Here are the top questions and their answers:
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What are the health risks of radon?
When inhaled, radon causes damage to lung tissue. It kills about 21,000 people per year and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. This cancer risk is even higher for current and former smokers. Without testing their homes for radon, families can go for years without realizing the damage it’s doing to their bodies. |
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How do I test for radon?
Radon testing can be done through do-it-yourself kits or a professional tester. DIY radon tests range from $20 to $1000+ and are easy to purchase through online retailers or local hardware shops. However, DIY options also often range in quality so it can be tough to feel confident about your results, even with the higher-cost options. Plus, some labs provide results that are difficult to interpret without formal training.
Testing by a professional ranges from about $150 to $400, depending mainly on your location. At a minimum, a qualified radon tester will undergo significant training, pass a national exam, and consistently attend continuing education courses. They’ll be able to explain their preferred testing method and its reliability so you can make an informed decision. Plus, after the test is completed, they can interpret the results for you and answer any questions.
What is the best DIY radon test?
For our clients who prefer DIY, we recommend the luft radon detector from SunRadon. It’s a long-term solution that consistently measures radon, air quality, carbon dioxide, humidity, and more. An LED light alerts you to potential risks and their intuitive mobile app makes it easy to quickly review and interpret results.
How do I find a qualified radon inspector near me?
The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) allows you to search their list of qualified radon professionals.
For those in Cherry Hill, NJ, or the surrounding area, Vivid Home Inspections has a Radon Measurement Professional certified by the NRPP. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 609-922-7456 to set up your test.
Are there certain areas that are more affected by radon?
Yes, average radon levels vary depending on your location but it can be found everywhere in the United States. The EPA maintains a map of radon zones for the U.S. as well as one for specific states, like this radon map for New Jersey. Regions are shown in different colors to indicate high (red), moderate (orange), and low (yellow) radon potential. Even if your home is in a low-potential area, radon is dangerous enough that most government agencies still recommend testing.
When should I test my home for radon? And how often?
Radon testing is recommended every two years for all homes, regardless of previous test results or any mitigation systems that may already be in place. Testing at this frequency offers peace of mind that your home continues to be safe and, if you have a mitigation system, it helps confirm that the system is working properly.
Most homebuyers choose to have a home inspection and radon is often available as a discounted add-on option. We recommend inspecting your new home for radon before closing so that you can make mitigation plans if needed.
What level of radon is safe?
The EPA recommends that your home’s radon level be less than 4 pCi/L but you should still consider mitigation if the levels are from 2 to 3.9 pCi/L. Getting below 2 pCi/L is difficult and the health risks are lower at that point. The chart below outlines how exposure to different levels of radon compares to other common life-threatening risks:
Radon testing can be done through do-it-yourself kits or a professional tester. DIY radon tests range from $20 to $1000+ and are easy to purchase through online retailers or local hardware shops. However, DIY options also often range in quality so it can be tough to feel confident about your results, even with the higher-cost options. Plus, some labs provide results that are difficult to interpret without formal training.
Testing by a professional ranges from about $150 to $400, depending mainly on your location. At a minimum, a qualified radon tester will undergo significant training, pass a national exam, and consistently attend continuing education courses. They’ll be able to explain their preferred testing method and its reliability so you can make an informed decision. Plus, after the test is completed, they can interpret the results for you and answer any questions.
What is the best DIY radon test?
For our clients who prefer DIY, we recommend the luft radon detector from SunRadon. It’s a long-term solution that consistently measures radon, air quality, carbon dioxide, humidity, and more. An LED light alerts you to potential risks and their intuitive mobile app makes it easy to quickly review and interpret results.
How do I find a qualified radon inspector near me?
The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) allows you to search their list of qualified radon professionals.
For those in Cherry Hill, NJ, or the surrounding area, Vivid Home Inspections has a Radon Measurement Professional certified by the NRPP. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 609-922-7456 to set up your test.
Are there certain areas that are more affected by radon?
Yes, average radon levels vary depending on your location but it can be found everywhere in the United States. The EPA maintains a map of radon zones for the U.S. as well as one for specific states, like this radon map for New Jersey. Regions are shown in different colors to indicate high (red), moderate (orange), and low (yellow) radon potential. Even if your home is in a low-potential area, radon is dangerous enough that most government agencies still recommend testing.
When should I test my home for radon? And how often?
Radon testing is recommended every two years for all homes, regardless of previous test results or any mitigation systems that may already be in place. Testing at this frequency offers peace of mind that your home continues to be safe and, if you have a mitigation system, it helps confirm that the system is working properly.
Most homebuyers choose to have a home inspection and radon is often available as a discounted add-on option. We recommend inspecting your new home for radon before closing so that you can make mitigation plans if needed.
What level of radon is safe?
The EPA recommends that your home’s radon level be less than 4 pCi/L but you should still consider mitigation if the levels are from 2 to 3.9 pCi/L. Getting below 2 pCi/L is difficult and the health risks are lower at that point. The chart below outlines how exposure to different levels of radon compares to other common life-threatening risks:
What should I do if my home has radon?
First, don’t worry - radon is common and easy to reduce down to normal levels. The National Radon Proficiency Program can help you find a local, certified radon mitigation professional. Your mitigation professional will likely do additional testing to help identify the most effective placement of a radon mitigation system. They’ll also be able to recommend the best systems for your home based on factors such as how high your radon level is, your home size, and foundation type. After it’s installed, the final step is checking that your radon system is working with one last test at least 24 hours after the system is installed.
At Vivid Home Inspections, we offer radon inspections as a discounted add-on during a home inspection or as a stand-alone service for routine radon testing. You can schedule your appointment now or call us at 609-922-7456 if you have any questions about testing.