Radon Testing
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas found to be present in high quantities in the Greater Rochester area. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and the only way to determine if it’s present is to test for it. The U.S. EPA, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, National Cancer Institute and the Consumer Federation of America recommend that all homes buyers test for radon.Radon is second to smoking in lung cancer deaths and causes thousands of deaths per year. Millions of homes have elevated radon levels.
However, radon should be placed in proper perspective. There is no reason to let it interfere with buying a house. High radon levels can easily be fixed, just like many other home repairs, and since most systems prevent damp soil air from entering the house, indoor air quality may improve as well. No more musty odors!
Few sellers have any previous experience with radon and their first reaction may be to blame someone for what they perceive to be a big fuss over nothing. “I’ve lived in this house for years and I am not dead. This is just some rip-off the federal government made up to make my life miserable.”
No one wants to have lung cancer, or worse, die from lung cancer. When elevated radon levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected.
When asking for a radon test, insist on using the Radalink Radon TeleMonitor. This sophisticated; continuous radon monitor provides fast, reliable results and is able to detect unscrupulous tampering.
Chet Riley is the Owner/Proprietor of CENTENNIAL Home Inspections. For any questions regarding home inspections or radon testing, please call Chet at 585-293-2278 or 585-738-2931. Or e-mail him at criley1@rochester.rr.com. Further information can be obtained at http://www.centennialhomeinspections.com/.
Chet is a Licensed Radon Placement Technician and is certified for the use of passive radon measurement devices as a Residential Measurement Provider of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). His radon test results are provided from a Radalink Radon TeleMonitor.