Radon, a class A carcinogen, is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas produced from decayed uranium in soil. One in every four homes in Kansas is estimated to have elevated radon levels, according to the Kansas Radon Program.
The dangerous gas contributes to thousands of deaths from lung cancer each year after it seeps into a home’s foundation via the soil. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Children and smokers residing in a home with elevated levels of the gas are the most at risk.
Required Testing
State law requires home sellers to disclose any information about elevated levels of radon gas in residential property. Homebuyers should have an indoor radon test performed by a certified radon technician before purchasing a residence. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested.
Detection
The average indoor level is 1.3 pCi/l and the EPA recommends homebuyers take action when the level is 4.0 pCi/l. In Kansas, the average observed residential radon test is 4.8 pCi/L, which exceeds the EPA’s warning level.
Should your radon inspection result measure equal to or higher than 4 pCi/l, radon reduction work is required and the home needs to be retested once the initial work is complete.
The Fix
Home sellers must have their home inspected by a technician certified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Homebuyers should feel peace of mind knowing their newly purchased home received a radon inspection and any concerns were addressed.
If elevated levels of radon are detected in a home after follow-up testing is conducted, equipment can be installed to lower radon to a safe level within your home. The cost associated with testing for radon is considerably less than the cost associated with battling lung cancer.
Firehouse Home Inspections is certified in home inspections, radon testing, and video sewer inspections for hundreds of homebuyers every year. Prevent exposure to radon gas and schedule your inspection with us today by calling 316-648-5779.