Keeping your family safe is paramount these days, and your home should be the safest place of all. But is it? Radon, a silent but deadly, odorless gas, can cause fatal health problems for you and your loved ones. When was the last time you tested radon levels in your home?
What is Radon?
Radon is a gas that has no smell, no taste, no color and can easily go undetected. It’s naturally created due to the breakdown of radioactive metals in the earth’s soil and groundwater. Because it has the ability to seep through cracks in walls or gaps around pipes, you are at risk to breathe it in. Next to cigarette smoking, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country.
How Should You Take Action Against Radon?
The only way to combat this deadly gas is to have your home inspected and tested. There are test kits available for you to perform your own DIY inspection, or you can hire a professional to test the levels in your home. Virginia has several counties and cities that classify as high risk zones for radon. Other than testing, there are several other ways you can stand against the threat of radon.
- Pay attention to how air circulates in your home. Open windows and vents where necessary.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, or pipes.
- Test your home again after making any repairs.
While radon is produced by a natural occurrence and can’t be thwarted at the source, there are ways for you to be proactive in keeping your safe space a healthy place to call home. Consider reaching out to a professional for more resources. Need help finding someone you can trust? Work with an agent who has the industry connections you’re looking for. Connect with one of more than 9,000 agents to help you navigate the market. Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of your hand. Available in the App Store and Google Play Store. For local listings you can trust, start with REIN.com.
