This sponsored, biweekly Q&A column is written by Andrew Goodman, broker/owner of Goodman, Realtors. Based in Bethesda, Andrew serves clients in Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Please submit comments, questions, and opinions in the comments section or via email.
Question: What is radon gas and do I need to test for it?
From radon.com, “Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon 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.”
To answer the question above in one word, YES!
Most homes in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area have some level of radon gas. You should test to make sure the level of radon in your home is not too high. Find out how to interpret radon test results here, with this information and chart from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
When testing a home during a home inspection, most inspectors will say a home needs to have radon remediation done if the radon levels are at or above 4.0pCi/l. Be sure that when the home is being tested, the owners of the home know the test is being conducted and follow the instructions for accurate readings (basically this involves keeping the windows and doors closed as much as possible).
Newer homes tend to have a radon system already installed. The system is typically a CPVC pipe that is taking the radon gas from the ground beneath the home and blowing it up through the pipe and out the roof.
You can usually find this pipe in the mechanical room of the home. The pipe will be hidden outside of the mechanical room, but will travel through the middle of the home up to the roof. If the home does not have this system, a remediation company will have to come out to determine the best system for your home.
Don’t worry — that company shouldn’t have to put a pipe through the middle of your house. Typically, crews will install a pipe coming from your sump pump pit, through the side of your home and then up releasing the gas above your roof. For an average home, the remediation typically costs less than $1,200.
Radon tests are typically only recommended for properties that have subterranean basements. Neither condominiums nor townhomes that are built on a slab or that don’t have subterranean basements usually require such a test. However, if you are in a condo that is subterranean (basement unit), I do recommend having the test conducted.
Radon is becoming a larger issue in real estate transactions, as it should be.
The health risks associated with radon gas are crucial, and for a $150-$200 test, every buyer should have one conducted. Consult your realtor and home inspector to determine if your property should be a candidate for the test.
