The inspection period of buying a Western MA home is a critical point in this big decision, but it can also feel expensive and stressful. Due to that, many home buyers start to question if they really need to do all of the inspections they have rights to. The one that I get asked about most is the radon test.
Since radon is a naturally occurring gas, many people don’t understand why they need to be concerned and more specifically, why they need to test for it.
Why do I need To inspect for radon in my new Western MA home?
The National Cancer Institute gives these key points:
- Radon is a radioactive gas released from the normal decay of the elements uranium, thorium, and radium in rocks and soil.
- Radioactive particles from radon can damage cells that line the lungs and lead to lung cancer.
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is associated with 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
- Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. Health authorities recommend radon testing and encourage corrective action when necessary.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Many people think that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, but 15%percent of those diagnosed every year never smoked, and more than 50 % diagnosed either never smoked or haven’t smoked in years.
The good news is that a high level of radon is a curable issue. There are systems that can be installed that will virtually remove the problem completely.
From the EPA’s Consumer Guide on Radon:
Radon reduction systems work. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Your costs may vary depending on the size and design of your home and which radon reduction methods are needed. Get an estimate from one or more qualified radon mitigation contractors. Hundreds of thousands of people have reduced radon levels in their homes.
Here is a downloadable guide from the EPA where you can get a full education about radon testing in your home.
Lesley – Great article for Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
I still remember you and your mom coordinating a radon test on the first house we bought in 2000 – and thank goodness, it tested as having no radon.
How can I post this on my Linked In profile? I’d also like to share with the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s advocacy alumni group.
Amy
Amy, I think you told me you figured out how to share the link. Thank you for sharing!