Why you should test for radon when buying a home

Test for radon when buying a home - When buying a home, there’s an endless list of to-dos. From getting pre-approved for a loan to signing the last document, you might not want to add anything else to your list. However, there’s one step you shouldn’t forget: testing for radon.

What is radon, and why is it dangerous?

Radon is a radioactive gas that rises from the ground in Utah. While it’s not very dangerous in outdoor air, it can cause lung cancer if it gets concentrated inside a home and is breathed in over a prolonged period. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it’s critical that all Utahns test their homes for radon every two years. 

Radon is known as “the silent killer” because, unlike carbon monoxide, the symptoms of radon exposure often fly under the radar until a serious disease progresses. Not only is radon a leading cause of lung cancer but exposure has also been linked to childhood leukemia and attention deficit disorders.

Here are 4 great reasons why you should test a potential home for radon before signing the final documents.

It’s inexpensive (or free!)

Utah Radon Services provides a free radon test to all Utahns! Have you already claimed your free test? No worries—radon tests can be purchased relatively inexpensively at just $10–50, depending on where you order from. Some local health departments may also provide them for free! Plus, a radon test is much less expensive than lung cancer treatment.

It gives you peace of mind

Radon can have devastating effects, and many people don’t know they have a radon problem until they receive a stage three or four lung cancer diagnosis. You might as well start the next chapter of your life with peace of mind by knowing you’re moving into a safe environment for you and your loved ones. 

You can get a radon system installed

You don’t have to back out of a deal just because a home tests high for radon! A radon mitigation system can be installed to lower the radon level in the home to a safer level. Plus, a home with a system may increase the property's desirability as future buyers can move in with peace of mind.

You may have additional leverage 

If you test a home before you purchase and it has high radon levels, you might be able to use this as leverage in the home-buying process. While sellers are not legally required to install a radon mitigation system in a home, you can make the purchase contingent upon a clear radon test or request that the cost of the radon mitigation system be deducted from the price of the home.

You have nothing to lose by testing a potential home for radon—and so much to gain. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you purchase a safe home for you and your loved ones.