Radon is a radioactive noble gas that occurs naturally in the air and soil. Trace amounts don't pose any significant threat to a person's health, but high levels of radon concentrated in a given area can be extremely harmful. Unfortunately, many homeowners who have never had their home tested may already be at risk of radon poisoning, especially in rooms such as a basement or cellar. Keep reading to discover just four of the most important reasons you should have the radon levels in your home tested as soon as possible.
You Can't Use Your Senses To Detect It
One reason a home radon inspection is crucial is that it can't be detected by everyday means. Unlike smoke, for example, which can easily be seen and smelled—even from another room—radon is colorless and odorless. There's simply no reliable way to confirm either the presence or absence of radon in a home without a series of formal tests.
Radon Is a Major Cause of Lung Cancer
Since radon is easily breathed in, high levels of radon can affect a person's lungs. In fact, radon is a major cause of lung cancer in the United States, even for someone who does not regularly smoke. Worse still, people who do smoke only increase their chances of getting lung cancer when exposed to high levels of radon for extended periods of time.
You Are Getting Ready to Buy a Home
Reminders and responsibilities can easily pile up when you are getting ready to buy a home, but one thing you should prioritize is getting a prospective property tested for radon. Doing so can save you the headaches associated with further tests and associated repairs. It is important to know that the age of a home has no bearing on its susceptibility to high levels of radon, so new homes should be tested before purchase as well.
You Need Further Confirmation of a Home Kit Test
Do-it-yourself kits are available for testing a home's radon level but may produce results that are uncertain. Any failure to follow the kit's instructions exactly, for example, may create data that is misleading. A professional radon home inspection can either authenticate or reverse the findings of a home testing kit. This can give you the peace of mind necessary to make big changes in your home, such as turning a basement into a bedroom.
Contact a professional to learn more about radon home testing.