RADON TESTING AND THE MYTHS & MISUNDERSTANDINGS

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, which are radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater.

People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it.

ANY HOME CAN HAVE RADON. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.

MYTH: Radon only affects certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affect radon levels. However, radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon testing company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems can't be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The National Radon Defense network provides free inspection and proposal services as a standard practice throughout our network. We also guarantee the effectiveness of the systems.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether your home has a problem.

FACT: It's not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT: Although radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water system that uses groundwater, call your water supplier. High radon levels from public water sources are extremely rare. If you get your water from a private well, we recommend you test your water. Contact your National Radon Defense dealer for an easy and affordable radon water test.

MYTH: It's difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is often a good selling point.

MYTH: I've lived in my home for so long, it doesn't make sense to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you've lived with a radon problem for a long time.

To find out more information on radon, visit:

EPA: https://www.epa.gov/radon

El Paso County Public Health: https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/services/radon

The CDPHE Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance program provides financial assistance for mitigating radon in Colorado homes for qualified applicants.

Contact Gumshoe Property Inspections, LLC for more information on radon testing as well as other home inspection services.

https://www.gumshoepropertyinspections.com