Radon is the latest environmental concern in real estate and most buyer’s agents recommend that their clients test the home they have under contract during the inspection period. Radon is a gas that can cause lung cancer if levels in a home are above a certain level. It tends to concentrate in areas with poor ventilation such as basements and attics. The EPA recommends that you mitigate radon if the level is above 4 pCi/L. Fortunately radon can be mitigated by installing a relatively inexpensive ventilation system consisting of pvc pipe, a small fan, and a gauge. The system almost always costs less than $1000 installed. There are several certified radon contractors around town. The one that I recommend is St. Louis Radon owned by Tom Getchman. Depending on the company that performs the radon inpsection it can cost between $125-$200.
The wikipedia page on radon describes it as “a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as the decay product of uranium or thorium”. It is extremely prevalent in the St. Louis area and because it is colorless and odorless most homeowners are never aware that their homes are afflicted until a professional performs the test during a sale.
If a homeowner is aware that their home contains radon they must disclose it on the seller’s disclosure whether it has been mitigated or not. Be sure to read the seller’s disclosure closely when buying a home.
Some interesting facts about radon
– It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers
– 1 in 5 St. Louis homes have elevated levels of radon
Click the link below to visit the EPA’s webpage on Radon