Being a homebuyer can be exciting as you start to imagine your dream house. However, as magical as the experience may be, there are still some practical considerations that have to be made. For instance, the presence of several harmful chemicals and gasses should always be inspected and tested for.
After all, fulfilling your property wishes shouldn’t compromise your health. By keeping your home safe from all threats as a top responsibility, you’re getting into the mindset of both a homebuyer and a homeowner.
Radon is one rampant material in the US that will require immediate attention and detection, making radon testing crucial in all forms of property. Residences are no exception to that, which is important for any homebuyer to recognize.
Here are some common questions about radon testing answered.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that’s invisible, odorless, and doesn’t have any taste. It’s constantly formed as a by-product of the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium, thorium, and the like that’s in the soil. This gas comes from the earth, found in all 50 states.
It’s just that in some places, it’s more concentrated than in others. And while most of it is kept in the ground, the pockets of the gas can rise up to the surface through cracks in the ground. The only way to find out if your house has it is to test it.
Is Radon Gas Dangerous?
Most homeowners who are exposed to radon gas don’t even know it because it’s odorless and colorless. But exposure to the gas can harm your well-being and lead to a variety of health problems in the long run.
Radon is a radioactive material that, if in high concentrations, can cause difficulty in breathing, lung cancer, and other health problems. The US Government has even designated the gas as the second-leading cause of lung cancer, only behind smoking.
How Is Radon Tested and Detected?
Radon testing is a very important investment for any future homeowner. As such, it’s important to check your future property and get the test done by a professional company that offers these inspection services.
In radon testing, a home inspector will enter your house through a basement or crawlspace. They’ll use a sensitive gauge to determine the level of exposure to radon gas, which will tell you if it’s safe or not. If the levels are too high, the inspector will advise you on what to do next.
Is Radon Testing in a Home Needed?
Radon testing is a mandatory requirement or government recommendation in many states and countries. In the US, whether it’s enforced or not depends on the state you live in. Some states require that you do ask your home inspector to test it.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth it to have radon testing in a home, the answer is that it most definitely is. Radon testing is the ideal way to detect and counter the presence of radon, protecting you from lung cancer or other health problems.
Conclusion
Radon can come from natural sources or from various industries, creating a dangerous gas that can accumulate in your house. While some of it dissolves back into the ground, there are still amounts that are left behind. As a homebuyer, run an inspection before purchasing.
In need of radon testing in Birmingham, AL? Ally Property Inspection has professional residential home inspectors in Alabama and Georgia. Get in touch with us today.