January is National Radon Month - Get Your Home Tested

From a home inspector’s point of view, testing for radon is essential because it’s one of the few major household hazards that gives no warning signs yet can have serious long-term health consequences. Here are the key reasons inspectors emphasize radon testing:

1. Radon Is Invisible, Odorless, and Undetectable Without a Test

Radon can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted.A house can have dangerously high levels and the occupants would never know.From an inspector’s perspective, that makes it a silent hazard—similar to carbon monoxide, but persistent.

2. Radon Is a Leading Cause of Lung Cancer

According to health agencies (like the EPA and WHO), radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the #2 cause overall, behind smoking.A home inspector wants to help homeowners identify issues that could seriously affect their family’s health.

3. Any Home Can Have Radon Issues—Old, New, Basement, or Slab

Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and rock beneath a home.This means:

• Age of the home doesn’t matter

• Construction type doesn’t matter

• Neighboring homes’ results don’t predict your home’s levels

As an inspector, you can’t assume a home is safe without testing. Even the house next door might have completely different radon levels.

4. Radon Entry Points Are Common in Most Homes

Radon enters through:

• Cracks in foundations

• Gaps around plumbing

• Sump pits

• Crawlspaces

• Construction joints

Home inspectors know that these gaps are extremely common, even in well-built homes—making radon testing a routine precaution.

5. Radon Levels Can Change Over Time

Radon isn't something you test once and forget. Levels can fluctuate due to:

• Weather patterns

• Seasonal changes

• Renovations

• HVAC system differences

Inspectors recommend radon testing because the condition is dynamic, not static.

6. Mitigation Is Straightforward and Effective

From a practical viewpoint, radon is one of the easiest environmental hazards to fix.A proper mitigation system can often reduce levels dramatically and cost less than many other home repairs.

Because mitigation is reliable, inspectors see no reason not to test—especially when it can protect a household’s long-term health.

7. Radon Testing Is Often Recommended or Required in Real Estate Transactions

For home inspectors working with buyers and sellers, radon tests are commonly:

• Requested by buyers

• Required in certain regions

• Used as negotiating tools if high levels are found

Testing protects both the inspector’s professional credibility and the client’s financial and health interests.

Summary (Inspector’s View):

Testing for radon is crucial because it’s the only way to uncover a major, invisible health threat, it affects any home, and it’s easy to fix once detected. A home inspector’s responsibility is to identify hidden risks—and radon is one of the most important to check.