Radon is a harmful gas that doesn’t have any taste or smell to it. It’s caused by uranium, radium and other radioactive elements when they decay in groundwater or soil. When it comes to lung cancer, radon is the second leading cause after smoking.

When the particles from radon gas are breathed in, they can get caught in your lungs. They will release small bursts of energy as they break down, which can damage the lung tissue and cause lung cancer over a lifetime.

It’s important to be very careful when it comes to radon in your home. If you’re shopping for a new home, you want to take special precautions to make sure you’re not buying a home with radon in it.

How does Radon End up in Your Home?

Most commonly, radon will rise from the ground through the soil into the air surrounding your home. It can seep through the holes and cracks fun din the foundation and become trapped inside your home. Whether it’s a new or an old home, whether you have a basement or live in a high-rise, radon has the ability to seep through the cracks and cause harm. It can also be transported through well water.

In North Carolina, radon can be found in any of the 100 counties across the state. About one out of every 15 homes will likely have high levels of radon. The best way to ensure your home is radon free or a home you plan to purchase is radon free is to have it tested.

Steps to Take When Buying a Home

If you want to ensure your new home doesn’t have radon trapped in it, the best thing you can do it have it tested for radon. If you’re building a new home, ask for radon-resistant construction materials and features to be used.

It’s a good idea to avoid buying any homes with a level of radon at 4 picocuries per liter or higher. Even if the level is lower, it can be risky, but may be reduced.  You don’t want to just trust a previous test on the home, either. Make sure you get your own test or at least look at who did the previous test and when it was done.

Radon is very serious and could harm your family. You don’t want to buy a home with high levels of radon without considering how to fix the issue. Make sure you hire a skilled real estate agent with the foresight to recommend having the home tested before you buy it.

If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me. 704-650-5707 |AnnaGrangerHomes@gmail.com