3 Myths about Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs in water, rocks, and soil. Yet, not every homeowner knows the dangers associated with the odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about this sometimes deadly gas. That’s why Residential Inspector of America is clearing up some of these myths about radon as well as why we encourage radon testing for all homeowners.

Myth 1: Radon Testing Is Timely and Costly

Professional radon testing rates vary, depending on the company you choose. While you can find DIY kits for $20-$30 dollars, these tests may not be as accurate. With our radon testing, you can expect the test to last for 48 hours. The continuous monitor allows us to give you immediate results upon retrieval. Should you go with a DIY test, you'll have to send it off and wait for results that could take up to 2-3 weeks.

Myth 2: Reducing Radon Levels Is Too Expensive

Contrary to what you may think, mitigating radon in your home is relatively inexpensive when compared to other options. Rather than focusing on sealing off the crawl space or basement every few years, there is a cheaper, more sustainable option. This option involves laying a pipe in the soil below your home that diverts radon air particles up through a vent or chimney. Once the radon is expelled out into the air, it's no longer a danger to your and your family.

Myth 3: The Risk of Lung Cancer Isn't That High

This is not true. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States. Unfortunately, those who do smoke are at a greater risk. In fact, the EPA says that smoking and exposure to radon increases the chances of lung cancer 8-9 times in smokers over non-smokers. This is why it's important to have your home tested regularly, and why radon mitigation matters.

We're Your Radon Specialists

Radon heavily affects homes throughout Atlanta, GA. In fact, after analyzing more than 2,000 radon tests, Residential Inspector of America found radon in nearly 24% of all basements tested, 8% of all crawl spaces tested, and 4% of slab homes tested. So, if you need to get your home tested, call us today at (770) 476-4963. Don't forget to ask us about our mold tests, sewer evaluations, and termite inspections.