Radon
October 15, 2024
RADON It’s a Gas!
By Tom Nelson, HUD LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MI
Buying a HUD Property Series October 2024
It is hard to believe that colder temperatures are here. Colder weather means that we are not keeping our windows open. We are not moving air in and out; refreshing our air supply. This means that we are breathing air that is more confined.
In the last few decades homes are tighter, better insulated and the furnaces draw outside air for the combustion that produces heat. All these things mean that there is less fresh air being circulated inside the home. Consequently, we are breathing more stale air that is in the home.
Radon gas is a radioactive gas that is present in some clays. It enters basements through cracks and pores in the foundation. It can also enter through sump pump drain access. Radon Gas is colorless and odorless. It is also slightly radioactive.
Radon may cause cancer. It has been linked to lung cancer. Levels of Radon gas that are considered a health hazard have been established. These levels can be detected with a test that can be conducted by most home inspectors.
Thankfully if a house has Radon it can be detected. The situation can be remedied by a number of means. Most of these remedies are not overly expensive. Radon gas problems are usually taken care of in the form of a number of types of basement air exchange systems.
Although Radon gas tests should be conducted whenever a home is purchased and perhaps periodically, the colder weather is a good time to think about a Radon test.
Copyright Tom Nelson DASAT Properties, LLC 2024
