Radon is a radioactive gas.  It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and, consequently, into homes through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Homes trap radon inside, where it can build up to threatening levels. Any home, new or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement, may have unhealthy and unsafe levels of radon gas inside.

If high concentrations of radon are found in your home, several options exist for minimizing of eliminating its presence. Improving the ventilation in an area is often sufficient to solve the problem. In other cases, it may be necessary to limit the amount of radon getting into the home by sealing or otherwise obstructing the access points. Once again, a professional should be called upon to ensure that the radon is effectively blocked.

If you are buying or selling a home, radon can be a significant issue. Buyers should be aware of the radon risk in their potential-home’s area and determine whether a radon test is appropriate. When in doubt, the EPA always recommends testing. If test results already exist, it is important to ensure that the testing was recently performed and/or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the last testing. If in doubt, get a new test done. If you are selling a home, being able to provide current radon testing results is a great idea; by being proactive you can assure potential buyers that there is no risk and avoid the issue all together.