January is National Radon Action Month, designated by the EPA to raise awareness about levels of radon in the home and to urge homeowners to take action. If you aren’t familiar with radon and the risks associated with it, read this article to learn three reasons why you should have your home tested for radon.

1. The Only Way to Detect Radon is Through Testing

Because radon has no appearance, smell, sound, or taste, it is impossible to detect without special equipment. Not all radon testing devices are created equal. A high-quality professional test will be more accurate than a cheap DIY kit you can buy at a hardware store. User error and poor quality often require homeowners to perform multiple tests to get an accurate reading.

Because of this, it is more cost-effective and accurate to have your home tested for radon by a home inspector who is trained in radon testing. Their equipment is more reliable and the inspector can interpret the results and make recommendations for the next steps to take.

2. Radon is Bad For Your Health

What is so bad about radon anyway? The answer is simple: it causes cancer. Breathing high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking cigarettes. There are approximately 21,000 deaths caused by radon every year in the United States. Some other cancers have been linked to radon exposure, too. With these sobering statistics, it is critical to have your home tested for radon to protect the health of you and your loved ones.

3. If Your Home Has High Levels of Radon, There is Always a Solution

If you have your home tested for radon and the results are 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) or higher, your home has unsafe levels of radon. The good news is that you don’t need to panic and move out of your home. There are plenty of qualified radon mitigation professionals who can tailor the best mitigation plan for your home. Once your levels are reduced, continue to have your home regularly tested to make sure your radon levels stay low.

Have Your Home Tested for Radon During National Radon Action Month

This January, have your home tested for radon by a professional to improve your peace of mind and keep your family safe. Make it a New Year’s resolution to live in the safest and healthiest home possible.

Jamie Schaefer Professional Home Inspector serves the New York Metropolitan area with professional radon testing and home inspection services. Contact us to book an appointment.