January is Radon Awareness Month.

What is Radon?

According to the EPA, “Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.  You can’t see radon.  You can’t smell it or taste it either. But it may be a problem in your home”.

Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that causes cancer and if not detected can build up to unsafe levels in your home.  Continuing COVID19 restrictions, cold weather, closed windows and stuck inside make January a great time to make sure your home is free of radon. 

Check out this Interactive Indoor Home Tour

And that’s why EPA starts every new year pushing everybody to test for radon.

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

“If a high radon level is found, the good news is that this serious environmental risk can be reduced by using simple, proven techniques comparable to the cost of other minor home repair or improvement projects,” said Bill Wehrum, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.    

In today’s real estate market test radon levels are normally done during the home inspection period.  The problem with radon in homes is that unless owners are aware of radon problems they don’t test until they sell. 

Fortunately, Radon test kits are available at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online. Kits usually cost around $20 and come with easy-to-use testing and mailing instructions.  However, most buyers want the results from professional testing done at the time of purchase.  So usually qualified radon professionals perform tests and fix elevated levels.

Resources: The State of Ohio, Greater Cincinnati Radon Mitigation Companies, Ohio Radon Stats by Zipcode