EPA Recommends:
- If you are buying a home or selling your home,
have it tested for radon.
- For new homes, ask if radon resistant
construction features have been used.
- Fix the home if the radon level is 4
picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
- Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a
risk, and in many cases can be reduced
- Take steps to prevent device interference when
conducting a radon test.
Overview:
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas
You cannot see radon. And you cannot smell it
or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. That is because when you breathe air
containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon
General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United
States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung
cancer is especially high.
You Should Test for Radon
Testing is the only way to find out your
home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the
third floor for radon.
You Can Fix a Radon Problem
If you find that you have high radon levels,
there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable
levels.
If You Are Selling a Home...
EPA recommends that you test your home before
putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels. Save the test results
and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could
be a positive selling point
If You Are Buying a Home...
EPA recommends that you obtain
the indoor radon level in a home you are considering buying. Ask the seller for radon test
results. If the home has a radon reduction system, ask the seller for information about
the system.
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