Soil that contains granite or shale will promote the formation of radon gases. Generally, only small amounts form. However, this can vary quite a bit from location to location. Levels can even vary greatly in different rooms of a home.

 

Ways in which radon gas enters a houseRadon enters the home through foundation cracks. It can also make its way into well water. Areas of the country that are located near fault lines, such as Southern California, are often linked to higher radon levels. Those who reside in these areas may need to have greater concern over home radon levels.

 

The protection of your family should begin with knowing radon characteristics. Radon gases weigh more than air, and therefore tend to settle into lower areas. Adequate ventilation in these areas is very important, as ventilation will not allow higher concentrations to form. Basements and crawl spaces are two places in which radon gas levels can reach harmful levels. Smokers who live in homes with higher radon levels are highly encouraged to stop. The combination of the two will greatly increase cancer risks.

It is estimated that one in every fifteen United States homes contains radon levels that are too high. There are radon testing kits available for purchase online and at many local hardware stores. These may or may not be reliable. More reliable testing can be performed by a home inspector that is experienced with radon testing. This testing consists of the use of a radon measuring device. These devices are left in the home for a few days, at which point they are collected and delivered to a lab to be analyzed. Further testing may be recommended should you have granite in your home. 

Mitigation techniques are recommended should testing show that radon levels are too high in your home. One method involves changing the pressure ventilation in the home so that radon gases cannot enter. Another recommendation would be to seal all floors in order to keep gases out. Though ventilation inside the home is important, it is not recommended to attempt to increase ventilation in basements or crawl spaces that contain radon. Doing so could actually bring more radon into the space.

A radon contingency can be included in a home purchase contract. This would be a protection clause that would allow you to void the contract without being penalized should radon testing reveal that radon is present in the home above recommended safe levels. Once the initial offer has been made, it will be your responsibility to hire a home inspector that offers not only general inspection services, but radon testing as well.