The search for the perfect home can be fraught with decisions. And, once you have an accepted offer, a myriad of finance options may seem overwhelming as your closing day looms. Radon gas and your soon-to-be new property are probably far from your mind.

However, radon and its accompanying risks are present in nearly one out of every three homes in Indiana. Homebuyers need to take a proactive approach towards radon and learn more about this silent risk. Read on to learn what every home buyer should know about radon gas before you close.

You Should Know Radon Gas Is Not Particular About Home Type

Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that emits naturally from decaying uranium within the earth and is found in rocks, dirt, water, and air. Unfortunately, radon is harmful when inhaled and is also a prevalent cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Radon also causes a staggering amount of lung cancer deaths — 21,000 annually.

Radon can penetrate a home regardless of age, style, and size. A home does not need to possess a basement or crawl space to trap radon. New structures, as well as older, drafty homes, can have radon. This unique aspect of radon means any home you look at or tour can have radon present.

Radon passes into a home or other dwelling via crevices and joints in the foundation, sumps, and drains. It can also enter via well water. Radon levels can vary for each home depending on weather, soil moisture, and porosity.

You can keep an eye out for radon-resistant homes during your home search. Some new construction homes are already equipped with special features designed to resist the entrance of radon, or help vent radon outside rather than trap it indoors.

You Can Find Out if Radon Is Present

Although you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, you can still know if your dream home has a radon problem. Chances are the subject of radon will arise at closing. Sometimes a seller will test for the presence of radon when they list their home, although this is not required in Indiana.

However, a seller is required to disclose any knowledge of radon on a property along with other standard disclosures such as mold or whether the home is on a flood plain. You will have the opportunity to acknowledge and sign a radon disclosure statement at closing.

Or, you can be more proactive and request a radon inspection before you close on your home. You can have a test done during the inspection phase after your offer is accepted.

You Can Lower Radon Levels in Your Home

What if a radon test reveals your dream home has radon? After all, many homes in the state of Indiana are located in zones with a high potential for radon. Remember, radon is already all around you outdoors and very high levels within a home can be dangerous. For reference, the EPA recommends you take action if radon levels are between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Fortunately, if the home you want to buy has a higher amount of radon, you can lower radon levels in a home to a safer level. You can seal cracks and other foundation openings or install a vent pipe and fan to reduce radon. The best way to guarantee successful radon mitigation is with a professional that can design a system relative to your home’s design.

Take a proactive step now and contact Breathe Wright. We can perform radon testing as part of your home inspection before you close. We can also design and recommend a plan to lower radon levels in the event radon is detected.