Radon is a persistent problem that has only been detected by testing. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), considers it dangerous, because it may be inhaled or ingested unknowingly. Some places have radon in their water, while others may find it in their basements or crawl spaces. According to the EPA, nearly one in fifteen homes have elevated radon concentrations.
What is it and what are its risks?
What is Radon?
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second most common cause of lung cancer. It is odorless and tasteless. The decay of uranium occurs in soil. Outside, radon gas is easily dispersed and does not pose a significant health risk. Indoors, the radon gas is trapped when it enters through foundation cracks or other holes.
Exposure to high concentrations of radon for a long time can be dangerous. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), radon is believed to be responsible for between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancers in the United States every year. Smokers are the majority of those who die from radon related cancers. However, it is estimated that over 10% of these deaths also occur in non-smokers.
Only testing can determine the radon level. Radon levels vary from home to home and even by location. One home could have very little radon while the next door house may have a lot. This depends on factors such as:
Composition of soil
How radon enters a house
Snow, rain and barometric conditions can affect levels by day.
Check out our blog on Radon Facts.
At-home kits are available for homeowners to test their radon levels, but these tests tend to be less accurate than professional tests. Home inspectors have better and more reliable Radon Testing in Pueblo equipment to detect radon in a house with a radon test.
Radon Certification
As a home inspector, you can offer your clients a valuable service by taking a radon course. The ability to detect warning signs can keep homeowners and property safe.
Radon inspection courses are essential for anyone in the home inspection business. Home inspectors can learn more about radon or refresh their knowledge by taking the online courses. These courses will not only make you more knowledgeable but also more marketable and competitive as a home inspection.
You will be able to educate your clients on the dangers of radon by obtaining a radon certificate.
Homebuyers will need to have a home inspection done in order to qualify for a mortgage. However, it is important that they also get a radon test as part of their home inspection if the area has high levels.
They will negotiate the price of the home to include radon mitigation if the test results are high. You can save your clients money by offering this service.
The EPA offers a radon map which breaks down the zones into counties. Radon levels are measured in pico Curies/liter (pCi/L). This map was created in 1993 for the purpose of identifying areas within the United States. The map shows areas with elevated indoor radon. Each county is divided into three zones.
Zone 1: Counties where the average indoor radon level is greater than 4pCi/L
Zone 2: Counties where the average indoor radon levels are predicted to be between 2 and 4 pCi/L
Zone 3: Counties where the average indoor radon level is less than 2 pCi/L
If you are considering a home inspection career, a radon test certification could be an important addition to your credentials.
Bottom Line
Radon can cause serious health problems in homes. One of the best services you can provide to your clients is inspecting their home for radon.
Inspection Certification Associates can help you get started in a career as a home inspector. You will receive access to all of our bonus courses when you sign up for our online home inspection class. This includes a radon course.
