Radon Information

Radon Information:

Because Radon is a serious health threat for you and your family you should seriously consider having your prospective new home or the home you are currently living in tested for Radon.  If you are purchasing a home or selling a home you usually only have a short time to get a home inspection, pest inspection, appraisal and any other things like testing for Radon done.  If you are selling a home why not have the test done ahead of time.  If the levels are below 4 pCi/L you can use the data as a selling point.  If there are high levels of Radon in the home you can have it taken care of before it causes any problems at closing should the buyer choose to have the home tested for Radon.  Any home can have Radon levels that are higher than the EPA recommended level of 4 pCi/L (4 picocuries per liter).  Any home can also have the Radon levels in them reduced to levels below 4 pCi/L.  Because of the geology of the Central Kentucky area Kentucky is considered to be in the moderate to high risk factor region.  See the included map.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.  It is the first cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.  The EPA says all home should be tested for Radon.  Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA’s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

EPA Recommends:

• Test your home for radon-it’s easy and inexpensive.
• Fix your home if your radon level is4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced.

RADON AND HOME SALES

More and more, home buyers and renters are asking about radon levels before they buy or rent a home.  Because real estate sales happen quickly, there is often little time to deal with radon and other issues. The best thing to do is to test for radon NOW and save the results in case the buyer is interested in them. Fix a problem if it exists so it won’t complicate your home sale. If you are planning to move, call your state radon office (see back page) for EPA’s pamphlet “Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon,” which addresses some common questions (www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/realestate.html). You can also use the results of two short-term tests done side-by-side (four inches apart) to decide whether to fix your home.

During Home Sales:

• Buyers often ask if a home has been tested, and if elevated levels were reduced.

• Buyers frequently want tests made by someone who is not involved in the home sale. Your state radon office can assist you in identifying a qualified tester.

• Buyers might want to know the radon levels in areas of the home (like a basement they plan to finish) that the seller might not otherwise test.

For additional information consult the Home Buyers and Sellers Guide published by the EPA.  Go to the following Web site: www.epa.gov/radon where you can find the above information and much more.

Please contact me via one of the following if you have any questions about Radon or any subject pertaining to home inspections or just a question about a home you are planning to sell or buy.

Email: chadams5420@windstream.net

Phone: 859-421-0421

View PDF: Kentucky Radon Map