If you are a homeowner in Maryland, you’ve likely heard the word “radon” mentioned during a real estate transaction or a basement renovation. But beyond being a buzzword, radon is something that every family in our state should take seriously. At Precision Building Inspections, we believe that knowledge is the best tool for keeping your home safe and your air clean.
What Exactly Is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that occurs naturally in the soil. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and earth. Because it is a gas, it easily seeps up through the ground and into your home through tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps around service pipes, or even through your sump pump crock.
The problem is that once it gets inside, it can become trapped and build up to dangerous levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. In Maryland, our unique geology means certain counties are at a much higher risk than others.
Why Maryland Homeowners Are at Risk
Maryland’s landscape is beautiful, but the rocky soil beneath our feet often contains higher concentrations of radon-producing elements. This is especially true in “Zone 1” areas like Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, and Baltimore Counties, where the Maryland Department of the Environment has identified a high potential for elevated radon levels.
However, even if you live in a “lower risk” zone, it is important to remember that radon levels are hyper-local. Your neighbor’s house might be perfectly fine, while yours has levels well above the action limit. The only way to know for sure is to test.
Testing: The Only Way to Be Sure
Since you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, testing is the only solution. Many homeowners choose to test during the home-buying process, but even if you’ve lived in your house for twenty years, it’s worth checking. Houses settle over time, and new cracks in the foundation can create new pathways for gas to enter.
There are two main types of tests:
- Short-Term Tests: These usually last between two and seven days. They are great for quick snapshots, especially during real estate inspections.
- Long-Term Tests: These stay in your home for over 90 days and provide a better picture of your home’s average year-round radon levels.
The American Cancer Society recommends taking action if your test results show a level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
What if My Levels Are High?
If your test comes back with high numbers, don’t panic. Radon mitigation is a very common and effective process. Most systems involve installing a vent pipe and a specialized fan that pulls the gas from beneath your home and vents it safely outside before it ever reaches your living space.
A professional mitigation system can significantly reduce radon levels, often bringing them down well below the EPA’s action limit.
Protect Your Family with Precision
At Precision Building Inspections, we don’t just look at the structure of your home; we look at the health of the environment inside it. Adding a radon test to your standard home inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner.
Don’t leave your family’s health to chance. Whether you are buying a new property or just want to ensure your current home is safe, we are here to provide the clear, honest answers you need.
Contact us today to schedule your radon test and breathe a little easier knowing your home is protected.
For more information on the health impacts and science behind radon, you can also visit the National Cancer Institute for a detailed breakdown of why testing all buildings, including condos and apartments, is so vital for long-term wellness.
