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The Radon Test

By Morgan Saylor
A radon test for your home is a good idea and also important when you’re buying a home, but hold the phone – what’s radon? Why should you test for it?

According to realtor.com, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas the comes from the decay of uranium found in soil. It can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation. Exposure to radon, according to the realtor.com article by Cathie Ericson, is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Scary, huh?

A professional radon test can cost $75 to $250. An inspector who’s certified by the National Radon Profiicency Program or National Radon Safety Board may monitor radon levels in your home for days (but not less than 48 hours), because radon levels fluctuate. You can also get a do-it-yourself radon testing kit for under $20, which requires you to put the device at the lowest levels of your home for approximately 48 hours and ship to a lab for analysis.

If radon is found in your home at a level of 4 pCi/L, or higher, Ericson writes, you’ll want to take steps to reduce it. For more on radon tests and reduction, check out Ericson’s blog here.

Source: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-is-radon-how-to-check-your-home/?iid=rdc_news_hp_carousel_theLatest

Tags: Home, home inspection, inspector, soil, radon