National Radon Month by EPA

As Americans across the country look for ways to improve their health this New Year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is highlighting radon testing and mitigation as a simple and affordable step to significantly reduce the risk for lung cancer. Radon is a natural colorless, odorless radioactive gas, and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, but testing for radon and reducing elevated levels when they are found can make your home healthier and safer.

EPA Info on Radon
More Info on Radon from the EPA

“Testing for radon is an easy and affordable way to protect your family’s health,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a press release. ”Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in homes all across the country; the only way know if your home has high levels is to test it.”

Part of EPA’s radon action campaign is to remind people to “Test, Fix, Save a Life,” and to recognize every January as radon action month.

• Test: All homes with or without basements should be tested for radon. Affordable Do-It-Yourself radon test kits are available online and at home improvement and hardware stores, or you can hire a qualified radon tester.
• Fix: EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels at or above 4 picoCuries per Liter and contacting a qualified radon-reduction contractor. In most cases, a system with a vent pipe and fan is used to reduce radon. Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
• Save a Life: 21,000 Americans die from radon related lung cancer each year. By fixing elevated levels in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer while creating a healthier home for you and your family.

Taking action to test and fix high levels of radon gas is not only a strong investment for your health, but also for your home. Radon test results are a positive selling point for those putting a house on the market and in many areas is a required part of real estate transactions. In addition, if you are looking to build a new home, there are now are safer and healthier radon-resistant construction techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.

900 Lives Saved Each Year by Radon Testing

THE U.S. EPA estimates that 600 lives are saved each year by radon gas testing.


Here is a list of the primary causes of mortality in US Homes.

Your home inspection therefore should include inspection and testing of these preventable hazards to you and your family.

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under. 

The home inspectors primary standard of care is to advise and educate their clients on home safety conditions and prevention strategies for these primary in-home safety issues.

1. Radon

The primary cause of preventable mortality in U.S. homes is from Radon gas. Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA have identified Radon gas as the second leading cause of lung cancer, as well as the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. 

For over two decades, the EPA has recommended that all homes be tested for Radon. One in fifteen homes have Radon gas levels that are at levels determined as a significant risk to the occupants. 

It is critical that home inspectors continue to inspect, educate and report to their clients on these safety conditions to help prevent tragic, but preventable deaths related to Radon gas.

2. Falls

The home inspection should include the identification of trip hazards at both the exterior and interior areas of the home. If stairs are present, they should be evaluated for safety conformance to current standards. Upper level windows should have safety screen systems installed to prevent child accidents.

3. Poisoning

If children will be present in the home, safety latches on storage areas of potential poisons should be recommended. Potential poisons include: cleaning supplies, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins and herbs, mouthwash, toothpaste, alcohol, lead paint, nail polish and nail polish remover, cosmetics, hair sprays, perfume, automotive supplies, and some house plants. 

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed at each level of the home in areas near bedrooms.

4. Fires

Homes should be evaluated for smoke detector locations that meet current fire safety standards: e.g. one at each level and bedroom. 

All of accessible electrical systems should be evaluated to meet current safety standards. 

If attached garage is present, fire wall and door systems must be evaluated to conform with current safety requirements. Proper fire egress from bedrooms and other interior rooms should be reported.

5. Air obstructions

Window cover cords should be properly elevated to prevent child access.

6. Water

Drowning accounts for about 800 deaths a year. Water can be a particular threat to children. People don't realize that a very young child can drown in as little as an inch or two of water; Certainly, a backyard pool, a bathtub, any amount of standing water can be a deadly danger to a small child.

About Guaranteed Property Inspections

For more information on Radon and home inspections or to contact the author, please visit: http://www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, is an ASHI/CREIA/NEHA Certified Inspector and owner of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation in Southern California. He is also certified in: Radon, Mold, Energy Efficiency and Asbestos testing.