Radon testing is an optional test during home inspections in Virginia, but just because it isn’t required doesn’t mean that it isn’t important. Radon is a very harmful gas that is prevalent in Southwest Virginia. It can be removed from your home, but is colorless and odorless, so it can lurk for decades undetected.
What is Radon?
Radon is a noble gas that is radioactive. It is naturally found in the environment, as it is released by rocks and soil. It is easily trapped in basements and low levels of your home, as its density makes it rise through the rocks and then settle low. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the US, second only to smoking cigarettes.
Ignorance Isn’t Bliss
You may find yourself thinking that if you just never get your radon levels in Roanoke, VA, checked, you can just ignore any potential problem in peace. Radon has many dangerous health effects that compound over time, so it is much better to catch it early and mitigate it than to wait. Additionally, children tend to inhale more radon than adults due to their respiratory rate being naturally higher.
Southwest Virginia Dangers
Radon levels in Southwest Virginia are notoriously high, making radon testing during Virginia home inspections a wise choice. If high levels are detected, you can bargain with the seller to fix the problem before you move in! If you already own a home, it is still a good idea to have it tested for radon. Radon does its damage over generations, so the earlier you can catch it, the better!
Testing
Radon testing should be completed by a professional for the best results, as mistakes can lead to a false low reading. There are two types of testing offered, long-term and short-term. The short-term test measures levels from between 2 and 90 days. The long-term test measures for more than 90 days and shows the fluctuating radon levels throughout the year, giving you a good average to work with. The longer you can test for radon, the better, as levels tend to change from season to season.
Mitigation
For radon levels above 4 pCi/L, a licensed professional can install a radon reduction system. These systems work by pumping the radon up and out of the low levels of your home, and venting it outside. They must be constantly running, as radon will continue to rise through the ground and settle in your home.
Ensure that you schedule a re-test of your home a few months after the radon reduction system is installed to ensure that it is working correctly. You can also seal cracks in your flooring and foundation to help prevent radon from entering your home at all.
Knowledge is Power
It is quite simple to install a radon pump to make the air in your home safe for your family. Don’t let the fear of a high test result keep you from opting in to radon testing in your home inspection in Virginia. Tell your realtor that safety is a priority for you and schedule your radon testing with Detail View Home Inspections today!