What is Radon Gas?

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisable radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets released into the air. Radon moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water.

What Homes Have Radon?

Any home can have radon. Grand Rapids and West Michigan are not exempt from Radon gas. A complete home inspection including a Radon Gas test can help provide peace of mind. This means all homes, new or old, with or without basements. You spend most of your time at home, which is where you are most likely to be exposed to Radon. Radon levels vary house by house, so every home should be tested. About  7 percent of US homes are estimated to have an high radon level (4 pCi/L or more). High levels of radon gas have been found in homes in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan.  

What Should I Do? 

Performing a home radon test is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. A Radon test can be performed and the results documented for your peace of mind.

If I have Radon Can I Fix It? 

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 Buying A Home 

The EPA recommends that you have a radon test in any home you are buying. Key Home Inspection offers low cost radon testing as part of a complete house inspection program.

The EPA offers a Radon Guideline. The radon testing guidelines in the EPA booklet have been developed specifically to deal with home purchases and sales.

This Guide recommends three testing options for real estate transactions. The EPA  recommends testing a home in the lowest living level, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that lived in by the seller. 

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.