Radon 101: What Every Homebuyer in Ohio Should Know

Radon is something that a lot of homeowners don’t frequently think about, but it is something that should always be in the back of your mind, whether you own a home or are thinking about purchasing a new home. 

Like every state, Ohio has levels of radon everywhere. So, it is important to be aware of radon levels in your home or potential home in Ohio. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a lethal gas when it is concentrated inside of a home. 

However, radon is a natural gas that is produced as a by-product of the breakdown of uranium within the earth’s soil. It is released through the soil and dissipates into the atmosphere. 

Radon is not dangerous when it is able to freely escape from the soil – but if it is trapped underneath a home and cannot escape, it will seep into the home through the foundation. When this happens, the gas becomes concentrated, and is very dangerous if not resolved. 

How To Tell if a Home has Radon

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if your home has radon in the air without specialized equipment. This is because radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas – and it can only be detected when people fall ill, or with radon testing tools. 

Home Inspectors can become certified radon inspectors, and our team at Frontline Home Inspections is certified to test for radon. 

In Ohio, approximately 50% of all homes tested for radon are positive for the gas. The number of homes that have radon is likely higher than most people think, because many people don’t realize that they need to have their homes tested for it. 

Getting Rid of Radon

Although radon is very dangerous and can be deadly, it is actually quite easy to get rid of. Once you have had the home inspected and tested for radon, all that you need to do is have a radon mitigation system installed in the home. 

Mitigation systems are extremely effective, and only need to be tested to make sure they are working properly every now and then. 

If you get a home inspection and find that your home has radon, don’t worry, once you have a mitigation system installed, your home will be safe to live in & you don’t have to worry about radon!