Any person who has bought a house may have been offered or asked to have a radon test done before closing can take place. If this is the case, you may want to know what radon is and why testing is important.
Radon is a harmful gas that can cause lung cancer. Testing for radon is quite simple and mitigation measures can prevent it from causing harm to your health and your family’s health. If you have your eyes set on a house, get your home tested for radon in New Jersey to know your risk of this gas.
Radon Exposure Can Lead to Lung Cancer
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless radioactive gas formed by decayed uranium that is present in soils. While the air you breathe can have a low level of radon, the gas can become fatal when it is trapped in your house. In this case, you and your family will be exposed to radon every day. Long-term exposure to radon can cause lung cancer.
Radon Testing
Radon testing is the only way to determine the presence of radon in your house and to what degree. To guarantee the accuracy of the testing, have it done by experts. However, DIY radon test kits are available online and at hardware stores. Such kits can help you better understand your radon level year-round. If a short- or long-term test gives you a high result, consider following up with another test or consulting with an expert.
What to Do If there are High Levels of Radon in Your House
When radon tests show that your house has a high level of radon, a professional can install a radon mitigation system to keep the gas outside. Typically, this can be done using a vent pipe and exhaust fan for pulling in the fresh air. An expert will determine the right method to use for your house. They will take into account the amount of radon present, your house, its construction, as well as the nearby soil.
Before You Buy a House
Before you commit to purchasing a house, ask the seller whether the house has been tested for radon before and what the test results were. If the test showed a high level of radon is present, ensure there is a mitigation system in place. It’s important to be aware of this system, so a home inspector can focus on it during the inspection. However, no matter the results of the past tests, it is a good idea to have a radon test done every time you buy a new house.
