Radon Gas in Your Home: The Dangers & What To Do

When it comes to purchasing a home, most buyers focus on the aesthetics, location, and price. However, there are hidden dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of your dream home. One such danger is radon gas—a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can pose significant health risks. As a prospective homeowner,  it's crucial to understand the implications of radon and how to address it.

What is it?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Radon exposure is estimated to be the cause of 16% of lung cancers.

Radon is produced naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. Radon is present in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

The Importance of Testing

For buyers looking at potential homes, testing for radon should be a priority. Many people don't know whether their home has unsafe levels of radon or not. Homebuyers should consider hiring a professional to conduct a radon test or opt for do-it-yourself testing kits available at hardware stores.

The EPA recommends that homes with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) take action to reduce those levels. If your test results come back high, you should not panic; there are effective remediation techniques available.

Understanding Radon Levels

It’s essential to understand what constitutes safe versus unsafe levels of radon. While any level of radon exposure carries some risk, levels below 2 pCi/L are generally considered acceptable. Between 2-4 pCi/L requires further evaluation and possibly mitigation efforts. Anything above 4 pCi/L necessitates immediate action.

As a buyer, if you find that your potential new home has elevated radon levels, don’t let this deter you from making an offer—many homes have been successfully mitigated for radon issues. It’s vital to work with professionals who specialize in radon mitigation systems to ensure the safety of your living environment.

Mitigation Solutions

If high radon levels are detected in your prospective home, several options exist for reducing these levels:

1. **Sub-Slab Depressurization**: This method involves installing a vent pipe system and fan that pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it outside.

2. **Sealing Cracks**: While sealing cracks alone may not be sufficient for high concentrations of radon gas, it can help reduce overall levels when combined with other methods.

3. **Improving Ventilation**: Increasing airflow in your home can help dilute indoor air pollutants like radon.

4. **Soil Suction**: This technique uses a vacuum system installed beneath the building’s foundation to draw out soil gases before they enter the home.

### Real Estate News & Buyer Awareness

In recent years, awareness around indoor air quality has risen significantly among buyers and real estate professionals alike. As more people educate themselves about environmental hazards like radon gas, many are starting to prioritize homes with low or mitigated radon levels.

### Conclusion

As you navigate the real estate landscape as a buyer, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential hazards like radon gas.

Watching informative videos on platforms like YouTube can provide valuable insights into understanding and addressing this issue—check out [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqIPtZt3Go) for more information on how to deal with radon effectively.

Ultimately, ensuring that your future home is free from harmful substances like radon will contribute not only to your peace of mind but also to the long-term health and well-being of everyone who lives there. With proper testing and mitigation strategies in place, you can confidently move forward with your home purchase while prioritizing safety above all else.

Jeffrey Sefton 
Okanagan Home Team
Real Broker BC
okanaganrealestatesearch.com
250-244-1762