Radon is an invisible gas that naturally rises up from the ground, and it’s undetectable by smell or taste. Although we all breathe in small amounts of radon every day, excessive radon exposure can increase the risk of developing serious illnesses, such as lung cancer.
According to the CDC, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. In order to keep you and your family safe, regular radon testing should be a standard practice in your home.
You could buy a radon testing kit and conduct a test yourself, but these DIY tests are typically less accurate than professional tests. To ensure that you get the correct readings, hiring a professional to conduct radon testing is the best way to guarantee your peace of mind.
If you’re not sure when a radon test is necessary, here are a few common scenarios where it’s strongly recommended to check the radon levels in a residence:
- When you’re buying or selling a house. Some states require radon testing to be performed before a real estate transaction can take place. Although North Carolina sellers aren’t required to disclose this information to buyers, some people may be unwilling to buy if they don’t know whether the home has safe radon levels.
- When you complete renovations. More radon gas can enter a home if there are cracks in your walls, floors, or foundation. If you recently completed a major renovation, you should conduct a radon test to make sure radon isn’t seeping through.
- When you change up your usual living arrangements. If you decide to move your living room down to the newly refurbished basement, for instance, you should test the radon levels in that specific level.
If you’re looking for a professional to conduct a radon test in your home, reach out to us at Top Notch Home Inspections today!