There is no safe level of radon exposure. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is harmful to human health and linked to lung cancer. Forensic Application Consulting published a detailed report to separate facts from myths. It’s worth a close look.
You Can’t Eliminate Radon Gas
The EPA suggests reducing your exposure to radon gas when the level in your home is above 2.0 pCi/L. When the radon level measures above 4.0 pCi/L, a standard solution is to install an active radon mitigation system, at a cost typically ranging from $650 to $1500. A system comprises an inexpensive PVC pipe inserted into the basement floor, which is vented out of the house with an inexpensive fan connected to draw air from under the concrete slab. The cost of a mitigation system can escalate for unsuspecting consumers.
Radon Testing in Home Sales
Around 1991-92, radon started to be a thing in Madison’s home sales business. Radon mitigation system installation was not regulated, and costs could easily exceed $3000.00. Today, a radon testing contingency is optional in the purchase agreement. Like any contingency that allows a buyer to walk or renegotiate, including this contingency diminishes the value of a buyer’s offer in the eyes of the seller. Many offers are rejected for containing risky contingencies that could have been left out. And that’s a shame because testing for radon does not protect you from radon; testing only gives you a level of gas in the house for a tiny fraction of time. Radon levels fluctuate over time. A radon test as part of a home purchase contingency measures the air for 24-72 hours. That’s not a reliable amount of time to conclude the radon level in the home will be below the EPA Action Level on average over a year. Yet, that’s precisely what happens.
My home.
The Testing Contingency Does Not Keep You Safe From Radon
The radon testing contingency does not keep you safe from exposure to radon gas. Installing a working system helps keep you safer from exposure to radon gas. The contingency only allows you to withdraw or renegotiate and make the seller pay for the system. When sellers have more choices of buyers than you, leaving the testing contingency out helps make your offer more attractive. Including the contingency lessens the chance that your offer will be accepted. After you own the home, interview and hire radon mitigation experts to install an effective, aesthetically pleasing system. You can pay a fair price, less than $1,400.