Today I’m joined by Dan Heilmann from D&D Radon and the Integrity Inspection Group. Dan is here to help buyers, sellers, and homeowners understand – should you be worried about radon in your home? Homeowners should not turn away from a home that may have high levels. He has tested more than 25,000 homes throughout Southeastern Michigan.  He  brings more than 29 years of knowledge and experience on this subject.

What is radon? It is a naturally occurring, cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell, or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that this is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high levels, you’re at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers in the U.S. and is associated with more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Some scientific studies of this exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.

Should you test for this gas? Absolutely—testing is the only way to know your home’s levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to its presence. It typically takes years of exposure before any health problems surface.

Elevated levels have been discovered in every state. The US EPA (Environmental Protection Association) estimates that as many as 8 million homes throughout the country have high levels. Current state surveys show that one in every five homes has elevated radon levels that test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.

Can you fix the problem? If your home has high concentrations, it can be fixed by a certified radon mitigation company. The cost usually varies between $800 to $1,200 and will fix the issue in most cases. Please consult your state radon office or the National Information hotline at 1-800-SOS RADON for a list of certified testing and mitigation companies or visit the National Environmental Health Association at www.radongas.org. You can also buy your own radon testing device.

If you are buying or selling a home, you will probably want to hire a professional testing company that uses a device called a Continuous Radon Monitor, or CRM. Contact your state radon contact for a list of certified service specialists. The Integrity Inspection Group can also be reached at 734-772-2789. They are certified in home inspections and testing.

Be sure to check out the USEPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon in its entirety to get a full understanding. Finally, if you have children, you should be more worried about this issue in your home as this could be more harmful to them, as reported by research.  You can read all the scientific research too.

To find more detailed publications on the effects of this gas, click here.

For more indoor air quality information based on your region and/or state, click here.

If you want to be part of our smart buyer plan, ask for a relocation package. If you have any other questions, please feel free to text or call 734-669-337. Email works too. We look forward to hearing from you in regard to your Michigan real estate!